The Year 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas The cover page design is an ancient Philippine script which means Gawad ng Pangulo. (Reference: National Museum)
The facts and accounts of circumstances that are contained in the profiles of the Year 2010 Presidential Awards were taken from the materials submitted to the Awards Secretariat for consideration of the nominations. 3
MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA
Message
My warmest greetings and congratulations to the recipients of the 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and OrganizationsTime and Overseas again .I have acknowledged the invaluable contribution of our overseas Filipinos to national development and nationThis year’s building. awardees They exemplify have shared the spirit their of unityskills and and public expertise service to enablethat is muchthe Philippines needed in to this benefit time fromof hope advances and renewal. in science I salute and technology.the overseas Remitting Filipinos that more we than are $70 honoring billion inthrough the last this ten award, years, theyfor their have professional contributed accomplishments significantly to ourand country's civic involvements economic that have helped uplift the communities they serve. You are a stability and social progress of our people. Overseas Filipinos source of pride and inspiration for us all. I also commend our haveforeign also partners shown forthat their they solidarity are dependable with us aspartners, we rebuild providing and additionaltransform resourcesour nation. to augment programs in health, education, livelihood projects and small infrastructure in the country. Through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, our administration will keepWe working pay tribute to strengthento Filipinos overseasthe ties between who have the dedicated Filipino themselvescommunities to worldwide, uplifting the and human we will alwayscondition, support those the who personal have advocatedprogress of the our cause countrymen of Filipinos abroad. worldwide, Let us and continue who continue together to bringalong pridethe straight and honor and righteous to the Philippines path to peace, by their prosperity, pursuit and of excellence.stability.
I ask the rest of the Filipino nation to join me in congratulating the 2006 Presidential Awardees who have shown the best of the Filipino. I also extend my thanks to the men and women of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and the various Awards committees for a job well done in this biennial search.
Mabuhay kayong lahat! BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
Manila 14 December 2010
5 Office of the President of the Philippines COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS
Message
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and the observance of the Month of Overseas Filipinos this December 2010, once more, we pay tribute to the distinguished men, women, and organizations in whose hearts and minds love of country has been enshrined.
Likewise, we publicly acclaim the exemplary role of our foreign friends who unselfishly give of their time and resources to mitigate the challenges that confront our people, here and abroad.
To all of you—we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep admiration.
Since 1991, the search for the more than 314 awardees can be likened to a diver’s quest for the perfect pearls from the Philippine south seas that have found their way to the showrooms of the world. The harvest has been bountiful, the luster of your achievements and contributions is appealing. Like a string of pearls, we proudly claim you and brag about you so that we can put meaning to the claim that the competitive advantage of the Philippines lies in its valuable human resource interlinked the world over.
And we can be certain—that there are and will be more where they came from as we work together to move beyond promises and realize genuine Philippine development for all under the second Aquino administration.
Mabuhay!
IMELDA M. NICOLAS Secretary
Manila 14 December
7 Table of Contents
Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Awardees Alarcon, Teresita Calderon ...... 13 Martinez, Ruth C...... 14 North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians ...... 15 Philippine American Association of Connecticut ...... 16 Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V...... 17
Kaanib ng Bayan Awardees Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center ...... 21 Lam, Phoebe Bik Che ...... 22 Lam, Sunny Kai Chor...... 23 Salpeter, Simha ...... 24
Banaag Awardees Abagat, Dr. Emely D...... 26 Computer Society of Filipinos International ...... 27 Congress of Visayan Organizations ...... 28 Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel ...... 29 Gange, George G...... 30 Kasimieh, Marilyn Wafa R...... 31 Kinding Sindaw ...... 32 Olalia, Sr. Lucia C...... 33 Ybo, Evangelina V...... 34
Pamana ng Pilipino Awardees Cana, Lilac L...... 37 David, Angelito DL...... 38 De Asis, Fred S...... 39 Gener, Bernard Randy G...... 40 Navarro, Lillibeth E...... 41 Totengco, Rafe ...... 42
Programme ...... 43 About the Awards ...... 45 2010 Awards Committees ...... 46 Gallery of Presidential Awardees ...... 48 Directory of 2010 Awardees ...... 53 About CFO ...... 56 Awards Secretariat ...... 59 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino
The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines.
Awardees
Teresita Calderon Alarcon United States of America
Ruth C. Martinez Australia
North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians United States of America
Philippine American Association of Connecticut United States of America
Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V. Germany Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Teresita Calderon Alarcon United States of America
American educator, Dr. Booker T. to be the largest contributor to the Washington once said, “The most Link for Philippine Development useful and influential persons are program of the Commission on those who take the deepest Filipinos Overseas (CFO) at any interest in institutions that exist for given year. From 1999 to 2009, FtH the purpose of making the world has donated a total of PhP better.” One such person would 83,733,530.34 worth of certainly be Ms. Teresita Calderon development assistance to the Alarcon. Philippines. It has reached out to beneficiaries in 77 of the 79 In the late 1980s, Ms. Alarcon Philippine provinces and provides moved to the United States to work supplemental feeding, gifts, at the International Monetary Fund calamity relief, educational and as a Senior Administrative Assistant. scholarship assistance, classrooms, Notwithstanding her personal and livelihood opportunities. challenges as a young widow by that time, she was still able to In 2009 alone, FtH brought in some allocate time for other causes and PhP 8.5 million worth of assistance eventually became the president of the World Bank/ to 19 provinces in the Philippines including Metro IMF Filipino Association from 1991 to 1993. It was during Manila. FtH assistance accounted for 15.17% of the her stint as president that the organization received total development assistance received by the CFO the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award in 1993 for that year. Nearly 60% of FtH donations in 2009 were from President Fidel V. Ramos in recognition of the for long-term use infrastructure projects such as many humanitarian and civic initiatives implemented classrooms, water wells, and low-cost housing while during her stewardship. nearly 10% was dedicated to livelihood projects. All these were accomplished because of Ms. Alarcon’s In 1998, another organization, Feed the Hungry, Inc. indefatigable and unrelenting efforts. (FtH), which she co-founded in 1992 with her husband Pablito Alarcon, received the LINKAPIL Award from Under Ms. Alarcon’s leadership, FtH is able to sustain President Joseph Estrada for its various development- its efforts through the years. She has raised the needed oriented contributions to the underserved in the funds to meet the FtH’s targets through personal Philippines. solicitations, golf tournaments, formal balls, and other fund-raising initiatives. To date, she continues to An organization that was borne out of Ms. Alarcon’s inspire FtH members and volunteers to assist those who vision and mission to share the blessings of the are experiencing serious difficulties in learning how to fortunate with the least fortunate, the FtH started help themselves. with a budget of $6,500 which was used to distribute gifts and food bags to Filipino street children and As a testament to her dedication in providing orphans. More than two decades later, the FtH has services to help the poorest of the poor, Ms. Alarcon legions of volunteers both in the U.S. and in the has been a recipient of various awards and citations Philippines who spend their own resources to go on such as the 2008 Chicago Filipino-American Hall of FtH missions. It has evolved into a 501 (c) (3) Fame Award, 100 Most Outstanding Filipino Women organization and established itself as one of the in the U.S., and the 20 Most Outstanding Filipino- leading organizations in the U.S. known for its altruism Americans. She was also a finalist in the Bayaning and responsiveness to the needs of destitute Filipinos. Pilipino sa Amerika–Gawad Geny Lopez, Jr. Award of the ABS-CBN Foundation. Even after it was conferred the LINKAPIL Award in 1998, FtH remains committed to its goals. It continues
In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to Teresita Calderon Alarcon, the President commends her effective leadership and unselfish dedication to community service specifically through the Feed the Hungry, Inc. and her sustained personal commitment to address the needs of the underprivileged in the Philippines.
13 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Ruth C. Martinez Australia
“We make a living by what we get, filters which were used to purify but it is through hard work, effort, water, make it more potable, and and willful tenacity to help the reduce cases of gastro-enteritis and underprivileged that we make a life other water borne diseases. The filters by what we give.” This adage has were distributed to different been the driving force behind the barangays in 16 municipalities in the humanitarian service of this provinces of Sorsogon and remarkable Filipina. Camarines Sur.
Ruth Carlos Martinez is the current As an off-shoot of the project, the president of the Rotary Club of Muklat Kabataan BSWF Cooperative Brighton Beach (RCBB) in Victoria, was organized in Bulan, Sorsogon. The Australia. Attracted by the cooperative is composed of out-of- organization’s spirit of service and school youths who were trained in the its commitment to do good in the making of bio-sand water filters world and have a positive impact which now serve as their source of on people’s lives, she joined Rotary livelihood. International in 2003. Given her status as a foreigner, it was not surprising that Ms. In that same year, Ms. Martinez launched RCBB’s Aid Martinez chose to be assigned to handle RCBB’s to Municipalities Project, by facilitating the International Services. construction of a major water distribution system which now supplies clean filtered water to over 6,000 With the full support and encouragement of the club, people in the Municipality of Bacon, Sorsogon. This Ms. Martinez visited the Philippines in 2004 to identify involved the construction of two water reservoirs, a and evaluate opportunities for RCBB to engage in an small dam, two intake tanks, and four water stations. aid project. Finding such an opportunity and getting it The project also includes the donation of an ultra- off the ground are two of the biggest challenges sound machine to the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital faced by Rotary clubs. For a small club like Brighton and medical supplies to the Sta. Magdalena Health Beach with only 25 members, this also requires a Center and the Castilla Health Center, both in personal commitment on her part to allocate time Sorsogon. and be able to personally attend to funds sourcing. With supplementary funding from five other Rotary The visit inspired the RCBB to commit to funding a Clubs in Victoria, Ms. Martinez implemented the Clean Water Program in the provinces of Pampanga second phase of the Aid to Municipalities Project in and Tarlac. It involved the installation of a pump and 2009, facilitating the donation of anti-rabies vaccines, a well that provided clean and safe water for antibiotics, and other medicines to various district impoverished families in the Madapdap Resettlement health centers in the province of Sorsogon; the area in Mabalacat, Pampanga. With additional funding provision of medical supplies to the Castilla District from the Rotary Foundation, it was followed by a major Hospital and the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital; the water rehabilitation project which included a reservoir establishment of a fish and aqua-culture livelihood of spring clean water that was gravity-fed at eleven program in Juban, Sorsogon; the education sponsorship kilometres below sea-level for the benefit of three and donation of school materials to children at the Aeta villages in Bamban, Tarlac. Our Lady of Virgin of Guadalupe Orphanage in Juban, Sorsogon; and the donation of relief goods to victims In 2008, Ms. Martinez spearheaded the Bio-Sand of typhoon Ondoy in Rizal. Water Filter (BSWF) Project in coordination with the Rotary Club of Metro Sorsogon. With a fund of US$9,500 Ms. Martinez is currently coordinating the that she was able to secure from the RCBB and the implementation of a renewable energy project and Rotary Club of Boroondara, Ms. Martinez supervised the construction of a water distribution system in the production of over 200 units of bio-sand water Lubang and Cabra islands in Mindoro.
In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to Ruth C. Martinez, the President recognizes her dynamic leadership and sustained commitment to community service through projects that have made clean water, health care and relief programs accessible to impoverished communities in the Philippines.
14 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino
North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians United States of America
The North Central Virginia organization’s annual Association of Philippine convention, fund-raising ball, and Physicians or NCVAPP is a in other gatherings and professional organization of celebrations. Filipino physicians practicing and residing in the state of Since 1986, NCVAPP has Virginia. Since its inception in evolved into an organization 1983, NCVAPP has reached out which supports not only health- and fostered goodwill among related community initiatives in its members and the Virginia but also in underserved communities they serve communities in the Philippines. It through involvements in local funds and conducts medical community services in missions in cooperation with Fredericksburg, Virginia, and other Philippine medical neighboring counties. societies in the United States, including the Association of In 1983, NCVAPP initiated the Philippine Physicians of America first annual community health and the Society of Philippine fair in Spotsylvania Mall, Virginia, to check and screen Surgeons in America, among others. patients for diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, sexually transmissible NCVAPP funded the renovation of the Aklan diseases, foot problems, scoliosis, and dental problems. Provincial Hospital through the Philippine Economic In partnership with the Fredericksburg Catholic Church, and Cultural Endowment’s (PEACE-USA) Adopt-a- NCVAPP also conducts free weekly health check-ups Hospital Program. The renovation included the at the Fredericksburg’s Homeless Shelter. expansion and air conditioning of the operating rooms and facilities, the purchase of medical equipment, and For more than three decades, the group has been the construction of an additional room for minor conducting free flu and pneumonia vaccinations to surgeries. The group also co-sponsored the conduct indigents and senior citizens of Fredericksburg. They of medical-surgical missions in Aklan. They support the have provided free school and sports physical educational and health care projects of the province examinations in Planning District 16, the most populous by providing scholarship grants to local nursing district in Virginia with an estimated population of students and through donations of medicines and 300,000 and includes the counties of Spotsylvania, hospital equipment. Stafford, King George, and Caroline. A foremost supporter of PEACE-USA’s artesian wells The NCVAPP took an active stance in the prevention project, NCVAPP helped raise the needed funds for of teenage pregnancies and provided seed money the construction of water wells in needy areas in the to the Rapapahannock area program on teenage Philippines that have no access to potable water. pregnancy prevention (RAPTAPP). This support NCVAPP is also a staunch supporter of Gawad Kalinga enabled the organization to hire a communications (GK) projects and has significantly contributed to the director and enlist 13 public schools to participate in construction of the Fil-Am Friendship GK Village weekly educational lecture series underscoring Community Center in Taguig City. healthy living by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, sex, and violence. In three years, RAPTAPP’s efforts NCVAPP is also at the forefront in the promotion of led to a 35-40% decline in teen pregnancy rates, teen Filipino unification in America by actively assisting the violence, and alcohol use. Its teaching module also founding of the Filipino United Network (FUN), a earned state government recognition and became a national civic organization of Filipino-American template for teen education in Virginia. leaders. In 2006, NCVAPP promoted FUN’s Unity Congress by hosting the Global FUN Summit, which NCVAPP also helps promote Filipino culture in the was attended by leaders of various Fil-Am national Virginia area through their Sinagtala Dance Troupe and medical organizations as well as representatives which performs various Filipino folk dances during the from Gawad Kalinga. In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians, the President recognizes its many accomplishments and continued commitment to extend health care services and other philanthropic activities to benefit underserved communities in the United States and the Philippines.
15 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino
Philippine American Association of Connecticut United States of America
Over its 45-year existence, the The members participate in the Philippine American Association of annual March of Dimes, and Connecticut or PAAC has never volunteer for the Special Olympics waned in actively presenting the and Soup Kitchens. The group co- Philippines to the region as the sponsors the annual Simbang Gabi country’s dynamic cultural sa Konsulado and joins in the yearly ambassador, advocate of causes Philippine Independence Day to benefit U.S.-based kababayan, Parade in New York City with and the strong link to the members performing street motherland through its dancing routines. developmental projects. PAAC’s assistance to the The humble beginnings of homeland is extended in the form Connecticut’s oldest Filipino of medical missions, scholarship community organization can be programs, and financial assistance traced back to 1965 when a group to various causes that benefit the of young Filipino Yale University underserved sectors in the students and health care Philippines. professionals came together in The Tulong Kapwa surgical mission search for a “home away from home.” Finding comfort in which was initiated in 2008 has since become an annual each other’s company, they in turn attracted and project of PAAC. The group has conducted these in the welcomed other Filipino immigrants based in Connecticut. provinces of Negros Oriental and Laguna. The surgeries Thereafter, they created a refuge for homesick Filipinos and involved operations of the cleft palate and other came together to share familiar traditions and customs of deformities as well as gynaecologic procedures. During its the Philippines. surgical missions, PAAC donated medical supplies and equipment worth over PhP 200,000 to the Teresita Jalandoni Today, the membership of the PAAC includes experts and Hospital in Negros Oriental and PhP 500,000 to the Laguna skilled individuals engaged in various trades, industries, and Provincial Hospital and the JP Rizal Memorial Hospital in fields from all over the state. The association has matured in Laguna. profound ways. It no longer exists just as a social club but serves as a vehicle for the promotion of Filipino culture in PAAC has been providing scholarships to deserving the United States and for the delivery of needed assistance students in the United States and the Philippines since the to improve the lives of their countrymen back home. 1980s. In 2007, the association started a more comprehensive scholarship program by sponsoring three PAAC is recognized as a resource base of Philippine culture. college scholars in the Philippines. Each scholar received a Its Youth Dance Troupe is the cultural ambassador and grant of US$1,000 per annum over a four year period. The performs in schools, universities, town fairs, hospitals and scholars were chosen based on needs and academic nursing homes in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. criteria. In March 2010, two scholars graduated with It is proud of the talent pool that makes up the Rondalla degrees in education while in October 2010, the third scholar and chorale groups which reflect the ethnic diversity of the graduated with a bachelor of science in chemistry degree community at-large. from UP Los Baños. Under the PAAC scholarship program, The PAAC’s involvements put a premium on the an additional five grantees have been chosen and will education of second generation Filipinos in the Greater complete their degrees by 2013. New Haven and nearby areas by undertaking culturally- oriented projects. The Camp Mabuhay is an intensive 3- The association has also raised funds to support the day camp that provides Filipino children who have been Classroom Galing sa Mamamayang Pilipino Abroad adopted by American families a taste of the homeland Program of the Philippine government, the renovation of customs and traditions. The Paaralang Pilipino is a summer the Philippine Pediatric Pavilion of the Quezon Institute, learning program where children are introduced to the charitable projects of the Sisters of Charity in Tacloban Philippine history, culture, dance, music, language, crafts, City, the relief efforts for victims of typhoon Ondoy in Metro and the arts. Manila, and the displaced settlers resulting from the fighting in Mindanao.
In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the Philippine American Association of Connecticut, the President recognizes its unwavering commitment and support to medical, educational, and social projects in the Philippines, and its sustainable initiatives to keep overseas Filipinos and their descendants aware of our rich cultural heritage.
16 Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino
Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V. Germany
In 1996, a group of Filipinos in the Since most of the members of PGCO Oberbergisscher, a small district south of are employed in hospitals in Germany, Cologne, Germany, met in they have been very resourceful in Gummersbach to discuss ways of uniting soliciting for medical equipment and Filipinos and Germans living within their laboratory supplies for various hospitals area by means of holding monthly in the Philippines. The PGCO addresses celebrations of the Holy Mass. The well- the need of these hospitals which attended masses paved the way for either have obsolete or lack of medical the inception of the Philippine German supplies and equipment. The hospitals Community Oberberg e.V. in 1997. Its which benefited from these donations mission is to foster international were the Sablayan General Hospital understanding and culture, particularly and Mamburao Hospital in Occidental between Filipinos and German Mindoro, the Ilocos Training and nationals. Cognizant of their differences Regional Medical Center in La Union, and their various needs, the members the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital, come together to provide humanitarian the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, assistance to destitute Filipinos in the the Barangay San Agustin Health Philippines, apart from addressing their Center, and the Batasan Lying-in Clinic own issues and concerns. in Quezon City. The PGCO also donated an ambulance unit to the Over the years, PGCO has greatly contributed to the Provincial Government of Isabela and paid for the shipment upliftment of the lives of diverse sectors in the Philippines: the costs from Germany to Isabela. underprivileged, the abandoned and abused children, the calamity victims, alumni associations, youth groups, and the In 2009, PGCO has become an instrument for rebuilding the religious and medical institutions. Fr. Tranquilino de Ocampo, lives of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. Aside from its donation the Chaplain from the Archdiocese of Cologne, regarded the of basic necessities such as food and toiletries, the PGCO PGCO as the social concern arm of the Filipino community in provided materials for the construction of the houses of 60 Gummersbach and an organization in Germany whose heart families from Barangay Bagong Silang, Quezon City, and beats for Filipinos, especially those who are in need. Montalban, Rizal.
Considered as one of the significant contributions of the PGCO Under its livelihood program, in 2007, the PGCO has provided is the construction in 2005 of the Maria, Inang Mapag-Ampon the start-up capital of the micro-credit assistance project of the Children’s Village, a shelter for emotionally, physically, and Aklan Agricultural College Class 1979 Alumni Association. There sexually abused children located in Bustos, Bulacan. When the were 17 families who have availed of the micro-credit program Mission Director of the shelter sought the assistance of the amounting to PhP 5,000 each to finance various income- PGCO, the shelter was only 5% developed. The 2.76-hectare generating projects such as swine raising, quail egg production, Center was built as an expansion site of another shelter, the crop farming, fish trading, meat selling, and canteen operation. Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres, to accommodate more children and provide complete facilities. For the last five In 2006, the PGCO supported the Kabataang Perdonista, years, their donation has amounted to a total of PhP 1 million. Inc., a religious youth organization which advocates for the Continuing its support for children, in 2009, the PGCO also conservation and protection of forests. The youth group donated to the Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, a conducts yearly summer development training camps to center for orphans and abandoned children in Pasig City, and, promote environmental protection in its campsite in Mariveles, in 2001, to the Angeles Bahay Bata Center, a shelter for street Bataan. Their donation was used for the construction of children in Angeles City, Pampanga. additional bamboo huts for campers and facilitators in their campsite. Recognizing the need to improve the facilities of the public schools in the Philippines, the PGCO contributed funds for the In 2003 and 2004, the PGCO also partnered with the Gawad construction of two water tanks at the Cornelia Reta, Sr. Kalinga for the establishment of the German Village in Bagong Elementary School in Sasa, Davao City; the construction of the Silang, Caloocan City, which benefited 277 communities. school library at the Nicomedes Tubar National High School in San Dionisio, Iloilo City; the roofing extension of the function hall Being religious themselves, the PGCO donated through the at the Mamburao Central School in Occidental Mindoro; the St. Joseph Parish, for the renovation of the barangay chapel in improvement of the school library at the Kalumbaya Elementary Barangay Agbanawan, Banga, Aklan, and the construction of School in Bauang, La Union; the renovation of comfort rooms at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Baliwag, Bulacan. the Tinurik High School in Batangas; and other school improvement projects at the Boot Elementary School and the Boot National High School in Tanauan, Batangas.
In conferring the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award to the Philippine German Community Oberberg e.V., the President recognizes its unrelenting efforts to unite the Filipinos and Germans in Oberberg, and render invaluable assistance and services for the benefit of various sectors in the Philippines.
17 18 Kaanib ng Bayan
The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribu- tion to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.
Awardees
Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center Lebanon
Phoebe Bik Che Lam Hong Kong SAR
Sunny Kai Chor Lam Hong Kong SAR
Simha Salpeter Israel
19 20 Kaanib ng Bayan
Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center Lebanon
In 1994, the Caritas Lebanon orientation seminars on the Migrants Center (CLMC) was rights and responsibilities as established to implement migrants in Lebanon. various activities in line with its vision and mission to recognize, Since 2000, CLMC has been respect, strengthen, and protect organizing Summer Camps for the human rights of migrants, children of migrants and refugees, and asylum seekers in refugees. The Camp’s Lebanon. It provides a objectives include the following: combination of social and legal to contribute to the forging of support and advocacy in closer ties between nations, to partnership with private sector foster tolerance and respect for groups and relevant others, to introduce children to government agencies. other religions and cultures, and to provide them with a fun In support of migrants, the summertime away from the Center provides shelter, difficulties of their daily lives. The medical, legal, and repatriation camp is marked by recreational assistance to those who are in detention or those who activities, outings, and tours to the various Lebanese have suffered maltreatment and physical abuse in regions as well as visits to major historical and natural the hands of their employers or foreign spouses. From sites. 2003 to 2010, about 2,000 Filipino migrants in Lebanon have benefited from the Center’s assistance. CLMC In response to the continued pleas and the pressing partners with the Philippine Embassy in Beirut to needs of migrant families, the CLMC initiated the provide these services to Filipinos in distress including Specialized School Project in 2003 to provide their search for justice against Lebanese or other education that is adapted to the particular nationals who have taken advantage of their circumstances of migrants’ children within the age weakness. range of 4-12 years and have either dropped out or never had schooling. In December 2009, a Lebanese court convicted its own national for beating up his Filipino domestic In July 2003, the CLMC started implementing a helper in 2006. The CLMC assisted the Filipina in filing program to protect and assist victims of trafficking in and pursuing the case which has been viewed as an Lebanon. This project is programmed to afford important legal precedent in the country since it was protection, integrated social assistance, and options the first conviction of a Lebanese employer for the for lasting solutions to the problems of women victims abusive treatment of a migrant worker. of trafficking. It involves extensive cooperation with the General Directorate of General Security, the Pregnant Filipino workers have also been governmental authority responsible for monitoring the accommodated in the Center’s special shelters while legal status of foreigners in Lebanon. The project also awaiting repatriation to the Philippines. The Center plans an intensive training for general security agents also shouldered the expenses for the routine medical to reinforce their knowledge of trafficking-related check-up and delivery of these victims who ran away issues. from their employers or recruitment agencies. CLMC also assists the Philippine Embassy in the processing of The Center also implements a Peace-Building Project. the needed documents for the repatriation of Filipinos It aims to build a solid foundation for the attainment in distress. of Justice and Reconciliation, and to repair broken relationships in order to transform situations of The Center also organizes seminars, produces public injustice. This is achieved through group meetings, service announcements, and conducts similar summer camps, forums on human rights, community activities to raise awareness on human rights issues health education, and cultural reunions. The target among migrants and the Lebanese population as well. population includes Palestinian, Iraqi, and Lebanese Records of the Center show that from 2003 to 2010, communities consisting of various denominations and about 2,400 Filipinos have attended the CLMC’s age groups.
In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to the Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center, the President recognizes its exemplary initiatives to defend the rights and uphold the dignity of Filipino migrants in Lebanon.
21 Phoebe Bik Che Lam Hong Kong SAR
A social worker of Hong Kong psycho-social assistance which Caritas for 14 years now, Ms. Phoebe contributed to the successful Bik Che Lam earned her bachelor of prosecution of the case. arts degree in social work from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ms. Lam was with the victims and finished her master of arts whenever they need to report to degree in philosophy at the Chinese the police authorities about their University of Hong Kong. Ms. Lam is case and during the court currently assigned at the Diocesan proceedings until the case against Pastoral Centre for Filipinos. Most of their traffickers was concluded. She the time, she works with foreign arranged recreational activities to household workers in distress to ease their boredom and brought promote better understanding them to a retreat so that they could between the workers and their gain spiritual strength as they employers. confronted their exploiters.
Ms. Lam is always invited by the In June 2009, two Filipinas were Philippine Consulate General to be recruited by a relative to work as part of the team that gives post- waitresses in Macau. When they arrived in Macau, they arrival seminars to incoming Filipino household service were told that a job was waiting for them in Hong workers in Hong Kong. In 2007, she formed a Labor Rights Kong. The victims traveled to Hong Kong but were Concern Group composed of Filipino and Indonesian forced to work as commercial sex workers in a club in household workers in Hong Kong to raise their Wan Chai. After two days, they were rescued by some consciousness of labor rights. The group meets every Hong Kong-based Filipinos who assisted them in 3rd and 4th Sunday morning in Caritas-Caine Road to reporting their plight to the Philippine Consulate study Hong Kong labor laws and immigration policies, General. The formal complaint filed with the Hong Kong and to discuss multiple employment concerns of Police Force resulted in the arrest of three Filipino individual members. traffickers during a raid at the club where the victims worked. She shows her support to other Hongkong-based Filipinos with pending criminal, immigration, and labor Ms. Lam once again gave her full support to the two cases. She provides them with psycho-social and moral Filipino victims by providing them shelter, moral guidance, and accompanies these Filipino nationals guidance, and encouragement which inspired them during court appearances. Even after the conclusion to pursue the case further. She gave special attention of their cases, Ms. Lam still remains in constant touch to the condition of one of the victims who was with the victims through text messaging or through pregnant at that time by accompanying her for routine the internet. She checks their working conditions, medical check-ups. ease their apprehensions, and provides them with relevant advice. A testament to the exceptional service that Ms. Lam rendered to her clients was the christening of the said In the human trafficking case involving six Filipino victim’s baby after her. If deeds are truly greater than victims which was referred by the Philippine Consulate words, then this act suffices to recognize the General to the Hong Kong Police in 2007, Ms. Lam’s invaluable role that Ms. Lam plays in the lives of her role as a social worker proved crucial. At that time, many wards. the victims were suffering from severe emotional distress due to their traumatic experience in the hands of the traffickers. She provided them with the needed
In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Phoebe Bik Che Lam, the President commends her dedication in the service of Filipino victims of trafficking and invaluable assistance to the many household workers in Hong Kong who have benefited from her psycho-social interventions.
22 Kaanib ng Bayan
Sunny Kai Chor Lam Hong Kong SAR
Senior Inspector Sunny Kai Chor ensure that the victims would Lam has been with the Hong Kong receive continued protection upon Police Force since 1997. As a their return to their home country. member of the elite Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), he The two suspects were eventually has always shown exceptional charged for trafficking in persons competence in handling cases of and were subsequently convicted trafficking and other organized and sentenced by a Hong Kong crimes by setting up investigation court to three years imprisonment. and arrest operations which have In December 2007, the six victims resulted in the successful were escorted by Senior Inspector prosecution and eventual Lam and his team to the Hong Kong conviction of the perpetrators of International Airport for their return these heinous crimes. trip to the Philippines.
In 2007, the Philippine Consulate In 2009, the Philippine Consulate General contacted Senior Inspector General sought the assistance of Lam and sought the assistance of Senior Inspector Lam and the OCTB the Hong Kong Police concerning the case of six again. It involved a similar case affecting two Filipino Filipino women who were lured into working in Hong nationals who were lured to Hong Kong as commercial Kong as commercial sex workers in the Wan Chai sex workers. Senior Inspector Lam and his team raided District. a private club in the Wan Chai area and arrested three suspected human traffickers, two of whom were The victims arrived in Hong Kong in July 2007 and subsequently charged and sentenced to imprisonment. were reportedly brought to a boarding house in Wan Chai. They were told that they owed the illegal recruiter Once more, Senior Inspector Lam provided the HK$10,000 (PhP60,000) each and that they could pay victims not only with the necessary material support back the amount by hanging out in bars and offering but also with constant reassurance, protection, and sexual services to customers. Hungry, afraid, and encouragement to uplift their morale. One victim who deeming it impossible to earn the HK$10,000 required was pregnant when she arrived in Hong Kong was from each of them, the victims hurriedly went to the assisted by Senior Inspector Lam when she gave birth Philippine Consulate to seek help. Acting on the days before the court trial in February 2010. He made information provided by the victims, Senior Inspector representations with the city’s Hospital Authority to Lam and his team conducted a sting operation which have the baby delivered in Hong Kong free of charge. led to the arrest of two suspected human traffickers. He also met with visiting Philippine officials so that the victims could be assured of protection after the Senior Inspector Lam made sure that all available conclusion of the case. incentives were provided to the victims to encourage them to pursue the case against their traffickers. These Senior Inspector Lam’s willingness to work with incentives included police protection, a daily Filipino non-government organizations in Hong Kong is subsistence allowance, as well as transportation fund another trait that sets him apart. While the adoption to cover the trip of one victim who went back to the of a multi-sectoral approach to address social Philippines to take the licensure examination for nurses. problems may be common in the Philippines, this is This assistance enabled her to return to Hong Kong rare in other jurisdictions especially in Hong Kong. and stand as witness during the trial of the offenders. Senior Inspector Lam goes beyond the routine police Senior Inspector Lam also conducted witness procedures governing the investigation of cases and preparation sessions to prime the victims for the trial. reaches out to non-government organizations to build important alliances for the speedy and effective After the trial was concluded, Senior Inspector Lam resolution of problems. visited the Philippines and personally met with officials of the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation in November 2007. He wanted to In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Senior Inspector Sunny Kai Chor Lam, the President commends his extraordinary sense of professionalism and invaluable assistance as a partner of the Philippine government in securing justice for Filipino victims of trafficking in Hong Kong.
23 Simha Salpeter Israel
“The Generous One” and “The Father fair interest rates and easy repayment Figure of the Filipino Community” — these arrangements for borrowers, and visited are just some of the terms of endearment sick OFWs in hospitals and even used by grateful Israel-based Filipinos to provided support to meet their needs. refer to this gentle Israeli and which He also let a number of Filipino attest to the impact that he has had workers use his personal bank account on their lives for the past five decades. in order to facilitate medical insurance and other payments. Born in 1935 in Tel Aviv, Mr. Simha “Simi” Salpeter left for the United States after On many occasions, Mr. Salpeter he finished high school and made his home a safe house for subsequently earned his degree in undocumented Filipinos hiding from marketing at the City College of New immigration police. Alternatively, it also York (CCNY). Even during his early years served as a “camp” for Filipino workers at CCNY, he already made his mark in and their children during weekends. He community work and was given an also turned a five-room, one-storey award for outstanding service to the building in a prime location in Tel Aviv college and the community. into low-rental accommodation for Filipino workers. He served in the Israel Defense Forces for twelve years and retired with a rank Because of his involvement with the of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his return to civilian life, he got Filipinos in Israel, Mr. Salpeter was acclaimed as the first involved in diverse engagement as marketing manager adviser of the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel for various companies and thereafter as executive director (FFCI), the umbrella organization of different Filipino regional, of the B’nai B’rith Association for Charitable and Cultural cultural, and religious associations in the country. He was Institutions, the most widely known Jewish humanitarian instrumental in the creation of the FFCI and always lends his and human rights advocacy organization. support to their activities.
In 1976, Mr. Salpeter married Ms. Montserrat “Montie” Sison Even after the death of his wife in 2006, Mr. Salpeter’s of Pangasinan, a marriage that also marked the start of his concern for the well-being and interests of Filipinos in Israel lifelong commitment to look after the welfare of his wife’s never wavered. He continued sponsoring many community kababayan in Israel. projects such as the donation of computers to Mindoro beneficiaries, medical missions of the FFCI in Israel, and The home of the Salpeters became a center of Filipino life various sports and social activities for the Filipino community in Israel, especially in the 1970s, the 1980s, and into the in Israel. 1990s when the Filipino community started to expand. It eventually became the second home of several generations As a member of the Organizing Committee for the of Filipino professionals and scholars who came to Israel for Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Israel-Philippine trainings and studies. The Salpeter’s residence served as Diplomatic Relations in June 2009, Mr. Salpeter played a the first Filipino cultural center where lectures and folk vital role. He was involved in every stage of the construction dances were presented for Israelis and members of the in Rishon LeZion of the Open Doors Monument—the first diplomatic community. They also played host to countless Philippine monument erected in Israel which serves as a Filipino delegations, agricultural or commercial missions, well- reminder of the humanitarian gesture of the Philippines known Filipino personalities like the former De La Salle under Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon when University president Brother Rafael Donato, journalist Max the country welcomed Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany Soliven, painter Manuel Baldemor, stage and film director on the eve of World War II. Behn Cervantes, singer Freddie Aguilar, and many others. Mr. Salpeter actively helped in the Sagip Pilipinas Project In the 1980s and early 1990s, the arrival of Filipino workers of the FFCI Filipino community in Israel. They raised funds for in Israel surged to a hefty number. At the time when the purposes of aiding the victims of typhoon Ondoy in the Philippine Embassy still had no labor and welfare attachés, provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, and in the city of Mr. Salpeter singly took up the cudgels for the OFWs and Baguio. He also donated PhP 17,825 from his personal funds became a one-man operation dedicated to their to help the families of three victims who died during the protection. He negotiated problems between the workers onslaught of typhoon Peping in Sison, Pangasinan. and their employers or agencies, fought loan sharks to secure
In conferring the Kaanib ng Bayan Award to Simha Salpeter, the President commends his continuing paternalistic concern for the overseas Filipino community in Israel, and extraordinary sense of altruism which has opened opportunities that foster good working relationships between and among Israelis and Filipinos and contributed to the well-being of his beneficiaries in both countries.
24 Banaag
The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.
Awardees
Dr. Emely D. Abagat South Korea
Computer Society of Filipinos International Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Congress of Visayan Organizations United States of America
Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel Israel
George G. Gange United States of America
Marilyn Wafa R. Kasimieh United Arab Emirates
Kinding Sindaw United States of America
Sr. Lucia C. Olalia South Korea
Evangelina V. Ybo Jordan Banaag
Dr. Emely D. Abagat South Korea
Responsible, dynamic and Dr. Abagat holds the distinction of indispensable–-these are just a few of being the only Filipina professor at the the most remarkable attributes of Dr. Catholic University of Korea (CUK). She Emily D. Abagat who is well-known teaches various subjects in the among overseas Filipinos in South Korea. Departments of Education, Business, and International Studies. She assists in the Dr. Abagat is the current Chairman of promotion of the CUK scholarship the Education Committee of program and coordinates with the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Philippine Department of Education, the Community (HFCC), the largest and Commission on Higher Education, and most influential Filipino group in South various schools, colleges and universities Korea which is actively involved in so that Filipino students can avail of free addressing issues concerning Filipino education and opportunities for migrants. On top of her regular duties professional growth. The scholarship at HFCC, Dr. Abagat extends assistance program provides free tuition, to Filipino workers in their labor and legal accommodations, and round-trip airline concerns through the provision of fare. In addition, the scholars can avail essential information and referrals to of the opportunity to work as part-time appropriate agencies depending on English language assistants and are the nature of the complaint. paid 400,000 won a month.
Dr. Abagat is recognized for her selfless efforts in empowering As a pioneer member of the Pilipino Iskolar sa Korea, an the officers and members of various Filipino associations association of Filipino students in Korea, Dr. Abagat is in- overseas through the values and leadership formation charge of looking after the welfare of Filipino students at the seminars she has delivered. She is regularly invited to CUK. She assists new students in their acculturation and to facilitate and organize trainings, retreats, and recollections secure more scholarship opportunities. Because of her efforts, for leaders of Filipino organizations on topics such as their she was recognized by the CUK for promoting better adaptation to Korean culture and values, leadership and relationships between the Philippines and South Korea, and stewardship, and capacity-building. The recollections help was also featured in the Rated K program of television host participants deepen their faith and face the challenges Ms. Korina Sanchez. and difficulties encountered in the conduct of their daily lives. Trainings have been conducted for Filipino To add to her long list of accomplishments, Dr. Abagat is communities in Daejeon, Cheonan, Kwangju, Busan, Kasan, an editor to SAMBAYANAN, Yoboseyo, Sulyapinoy, and The Maseok, Iksan, Cheongju, Ansan, and Bucheon. Advocacy, which serve as reliable sources of information and news concerning Filipinos in Korea. She was also a With her unwavering commitment to help the Filipino research fellow at the Korea Foundation for Advanced migrants, she volunteers to be an adviser and mentor to Studies, a lecturer at the Korea National University of various associations where she provides advice and inputs Education, speaker in the undergraduate and global on their plans and activities. Given the difficulties that leadership programs of the Hankuk University of Foreign Filipinos go through, with Dr. Abagat’s assistance, they Studies, and guest teacher at the Philippine Korean Culture become more organized and are able to reach out to House. more Filipinos in Korea. In recognition of her invaluable services to the Filipino Being a teacher and a strong believer in the value of community in South Korea, she was the first recipient of the education as a ticket to a better future for the Gawad Giovanni Jaron as the Most Outstanding Filipino underprivileged, Dr. Abagat also coordinated and acted Individual in Korea in 2008. as a liaison between the Mt. Carmel High School in Gen. Nakar, Quezon and the HFCC. The beneficiaries received Dr. Abagat was born in Ilocos Norte and has a degree in scholarship funds which covered tuition fees and food Education major in Religious Studies. Because of her subsidies for 50 high school students who were also flood professional and spiritual endeavors, she was inspired to victims of typhoon Yoleng. She also monitors the scholars write her book, And God Smiled Back, a collection of her and helps raise funds to sustain the program. reflections on her life as an OFW, solo parent, and missionary, so that she could share her experiences and inspire Filipinos worldwide.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Dr. Emely D. Abagat, the President recognizes her untiring efforts in upholding the interests and welfare of her kababayan through her involvement in various Filipino overseas associations, and selfless dedication and deep commitment by acting as liaison to promote better Philippine-South Korea relations.
26 Banaag
Computer Society of Filipinos International Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
As cyber-technology continues to COMSOFIL has also strengthened its influence today’s lifestyle, both for partnership with the Philippine the young and young-once, the Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh and Computer Society of Filipinos, the Overseas Workers Welfare International (COMSOFIL) is poised Administration to further extend to consistently carry out its goals in services and assistance to OFWs developing globally-competitive particularly those who are confronted Filipinos by providing them with difficult situations. COMSOFIL opportunities for continuing implements the Bits and Bytes Project education in the field of Information in a Bahay-Kalinga in Saudi Arabia to and Communications Technology provide training on the use of computer (ICT). applications for distressed Filipinos as part of their preparation for eventual Organized in November 1995, reintegration into the Philippine COMSOFIL has extensively workforce. The project was launched institutionalized its presence in the in May 2005 and has involved 20 OFW Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides participants. COMSOFIL also assists in free computer literacy programs and the Libreng Tawag sa Pinas, Handog information technology seminars, Para Kay Kabayan Project of POLO- while maintaining partnerships with OWWA which aims to help their Information Technology (IT) solution kababayans, especially the distressed providers and other community organizations in developing OFWs, by providing tools and mechanisms to easily get in skills training programs for the benefit of OFWs in Riyadh. Since touch and talk to their families and loved ones in the Philippines. then, COMSOFIL has consistently promoted ICT awareness and simultaneously professionalized the Filipino workforce, thus For the past 14 years, COMSOFIL has been continuously making them more employable in higher-paying jobs. sponsoring IT Olympics for all its members which serves as a venue to apply their newly learned skill, work as team with Since its creation, COMSOFIL has graduated more than 9,000 their cluster mates, boost their morale and confidence, and OFWs from all walks of life. The students were enrolled in various learn the value of sportsmanship. COMSOFIL also sponsors the ICT Cluster Courses which are conducted in two semesters CyberClash inter-school IT Olympics participated in by 3rd and every year. The COMSOFIL’s efforts to serve as a forum for 4th year high school students from various international schools sharing new cutting-edge technology in Saudi Arabia made it within the Riyadh area. The competition has been running for easier for OFWs to harness and improve their skills and thereby two consecutive years now and continues to promote guarantee an improved quality of life upon their return to the computer skills and competency among the youth and Philippines with their respective families. This value-adding camaraderie among students from various schools. intervention is a concrete example of a relevant reintegration program for returning OFWs. While upgrading OFWs’ skills, COMSOFIL also publishes the INFOBITS which serves as a reliable source of information about A number of testimonies and cases underscores the impact of the events and activities in COMSOFIL and the Filipino COMSOFIL training on the lives of Filipino workers overseas community in Saudi Arabia, as well as updates on information who are determined to upgrade their qualifications and land a technology. COMSOFIL also takes pride in the establishment better job overseas: a tea-boy who was a victim of illegal of the Toast of COMSOFIL, the Society’s exclusive Toastmaster recruitment but was promoted as an IT Technician; a cargo Club which equips the members with essential skills in public packer who was supposed to be repatriated to the Philippines speaking and personality development. due to a slipped disc, but was promoted as an Export Administrator; a factory worker turned Computer Operator; Through the years, COMSOFIL has provided professional and and a cashier turned web and graphics designer. There are technical assistance and manpower support to the various 9,000 other good stories to be told as a testament to activities of the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community COMSOFIL’s significance. organizations such as literary and singing competitions, concert- for-a-cause, film showings, beauty pageants, and AutoCAD To assure their projects’ sustainability, every year, COMSOFIL Training for Engineers, among others. launches a series of intensive Instructor’s Orientation and Leadership Training Seminar Workshops that strengthen the Fifteen years thereafter, COMSOFIL continues to keep the capability of all volunteer instructors, their assistants, and the spirit of volunteerism alive in Saudi Arabia, making its practical entire technical staff to impart knowledge, expertise and skills and education program an imperative component for the technical know-how to the participants. empowerment of more OFWs each year.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Computer Society of Filipinos International, the President recognizes its unselfish dedication and commitment to empower Filipinos in Saudi Arabia through skills training and upgrading; and facilitate their productive reintegration into Philippine society.
27 Banaag
Congress of Visayan Organizations United States of America
The Visayans Filipinos’ awards. The award has ancestral roots are become a source of found in a number of pride among members islands across central of the Visayan Philippines. The diversity community, especially of the Visayan region is among the younger reflected in several generation. dialects that form its linguistic base such as COVO figured Ilonggo, Waray, and prominently during the Cebuano. The region centennial celebration takes pride in their of Filipino migration to forebears’ many roles in Philippine history, such as: the Spaniards’ Hawaii. In 2006, it collaborated with the Filipino Centennial “discovery” of the Philippines in Cebu, the longest anti-Spanish Celebration Commission in various activities such as bringing rebellion led by Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol, the Filipino- for the first time the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog Festivals American struggle in Samar, and the landing of U.S. Gen. Douglas to Hawaii; the unveiling of a marker commemorating the 50th MacArthur in Leyte towards the end of World War II, among anniversary of the solo voyage from Hawaii to the Philippines others. of Mr. Florentino Das; and the installation of a marker in Hanapepe, Kauai, in commemoration of the death of Filipino Visayan local historical accounts include the exodus of the workers, who were mostly Visayans, in the 1924 labor uprising. Visayan sakadas in Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations in The COVO also spearheaded various events to celebrate the Hawaii in 1909. The steady increase in numbers in over time has centennial of the Visayan presence in Hawaii. The highlights resulted in the rise to prominence of several individuals as well included: the Sto. Niño festival, the Visayan Centennial Tour, as the emergence of several Visayan organizations to address the Visayan Century Awards, the COVO Convention, and the their needs and concerns in the state. production of Handumanan, a collection of stories and pictures about the Visayan experience in Hawaii. The Hawaii’s Honolulu The idea of unifying all the Visayan organizations in Hawaii Advertiser referred to the celebrations as “a festival for all started in the 1980s and gave birth to the Congress of Visayan Filipinos.” Organizations (COVO), a statewide umbrella of 26 organizations of Filipinos with Visayan ancestry. The initial move to band The COVO has led many emergency relief efforts in Hawaii. together led to the formation of the Visayan League in 1985. In 2009, in collaboration with the Filipino Community Center Through the efforts of several individuals from the Philippine and other Filipino organizations, the COVO and its member Consulate, the Hawaii state government, and the private sector, organizations raised US$199,932 for the victims of Typhoon it was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1988. Ondoy. In 2008, COVO partnered with Senator Clarence Eventually, the COVO extended its membership to include Nishihara, the Filipino Community Center, and the Hawaii Filipino organizations with ancestral roots in Mindanao. International Relief Organization to ship over 8,000 books to the Philippines which were distributed to 113 schools in various After 25 years, the COVO has become a noted Filipino provinces. It also donated various medical equipment, supplies, organization whose mission was to unify Hawaii-based Visayan and computers to the City Government of Panabo in Davao organization, propagate Visayan linguistic heritage and del Norte. In 2006, it helped raised funds amounting to US$28,000 traditions, and assist in the advancement of its members in the for the survivors of the Southern Leyte landslide. The amount state’s politico-economic and socio-cultural life. Although the was donated to the Aloha Medical Mission for the purchase of COVO’s primary goal was to promote the welfare of Visayans, medical supplies and equipment. Aside from providing medical it has also served the needs of Filipino groups in the Philippines, assistance to the victims, the COVO granted scholarships through as well as other Filipino and non-Filipino ethnic groups in Hawaii. the Children’s Hour to 56 children whose families were victims Its exemplary contributions were recognized by the Senate, of a landslide. the House of Representatives, and the City and County of Honolulu of the State of Hawaii. The COVO has also been politically active through its To promote and maintain Visayan unity and visibility, the Committee on Political Education. It has lobbied to the COVO hosts a weekly radio program, Ang Bodyong, at KNDI Legislature and the City Council for support on issues and Radio. It is the only Visayan radio program in the state which programs such as minimum wage increases, tax reforms, funding combines Visayan music and news tidbits from the local Visayan for youth programs, immigration concerns, cultural observances, community. It features the activities of the different member elderly and caregiver issues, and veterans rights. One of its organizations of the COVO including interviews with local relevant lobby efforts is the passing of a resolution to explore Visayan personalities and guests from the Philippines. the possibility of offering courses on Visayan language and culture at the University of Hawaii. The COVO was also To recognize the accomplishments of Hawaii-based Filipinos instrumental in the establishment of the sister-city agreement with Visayan ancestry, the COVO initiated the biennial Lapu- between Cebu City and Honolulu, and the state- province Lapu Awards in 2002. Since then, COVO has conferred the award agreement between Hawaii and Cebu. The said agreements to 102 Filipinos in various categories: lifetime achievement, resulted to several businesses, trade, technical, educational, individual achievement in various fields, and young achievers’ and cultural exchanges between Cebu and Hawaii.
In conferring the Banaag Award to the Congress of Visayan Organizations, the President recognizes its achievements in fostering unity and a sense of community among Filipinos, particularly those with Visayan ancestry in Hawaii, and contribution to the concerted humanitarian efforts for the welfare of beneficiaries in Hawaii and the Philippines.
28 Banaag
Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel Israel
Phenomenal is the word that can The FCCI’s outreach program has aptly describe the served communities from north to accomplishments of this young south of the Philippines. It funded Israeli-based federation of several the construction of eleven overseas Filipino workers’ classrooms for primary and organizations. In just eight years, secondary level public schools. the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel (FCCI) boasts It established a regular project of a host of projects and services called Sagip Kababayan or “save that have benefitted families and a compatriot,” to assist victims of communities in the Philippines as calamity and demonstrate their well as other OFWs in Israel. solidarity with fellow Filipinos in the midst of disaster. The FFCI had The growing number of Filipinos distributed goods in Bicol, Ormoc, in Israel, which has now reached Pasig, Pangasinan, La Union, and approximately 39,000, and the Baguio when these areas were corresponding increase in the ravaged by typhoons, floods, and number of organized groups volcanic eruptions. prompted the establishment of a federation in order to effectively One of the FFCI’s lasting reach out to more Israel-based Filipinos and extend much- contributions is in the field of needed assistance where possible. The FFCI was organized diplomacy, specifically in the relations between the Jews on April 28, 2002 during the Philippine Labor Day celebrations and the Filipinos that started during one of the darkest days at the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. With a membership of World War II. A quick flash-back to 1939 brings back the consisting of 29 Filipino organizations in Israel, it serves as the unforgettable humanitarian gesture of then Commonwealth umbrella organization through which all Filipino community President Manuel L. Quezon who allotted 10,000 visas and initiatives and activities are undertaken. The member provided safe haven to Jews fleeing Nazi Europe. Some organizations are varied, from hometown associations, 1,200 Jews made it to Manila before the city itself fell to professional groups, and fraternal organizations to religious Japanese invaders. A quick flash-forward to 2005, then groups of various denominations. It is a non-stock, non- Philippine Ambassador to Israel Antonio Modena launched profit, and non-sectarian organization dedicated to a campaign to underscore the role played by the country advancing the cause of OFWs in Israel. in saving Jews during the Holocaust. The result was the Open Doors Monument which was erected in recognition Protecting the OFWs is the FCCI’s top priority. It assisted a of the welcome extended by the Philippines to the Jewish large number of Filipinos in distressed situations, visited sick refugees in 1939. OFWs in hospitals or in their homes to provide material and spiritual comfort, and rescued, housed, and repatriated In 2006-2007, the FFCI held a series of fund-raising events OFW victims of abuse who ran away from their employers. to stimulate interest and generate resources for community service projects. By tapping the talents of its members such The FFCI has also been able to establish a solid network of as the Filipino caregivers, the FFCI was able to hold a series volunteer Israeli doctors who partner with them in their of cultural shows entitled Sayaw and Saplot Saysay. The regular medical and dental missions in Israel. This FFCI did all the backroom work from selling tickets to making arrangement has saved a lot of money for OFWs who the necessary props and costumes and generated almost cannot afford the cost of medical check-ups, medicines, US$10,000 which was subsequently donated for the and even hospitalization. construction of the monument.
The work of the FFCI does not necessarily entail serious Although the FFCI’s primary concern are the undertakings all the time. Believing that there is a time for advancement of the welfare of OFWs in Israel and the work and a time for pleasure, it regularly organizes programs conduct of philanthropic activities in the Philippines, it also to celebrate Philippine tradition, milestones, and holidays has its pulse on the existing problems of the local community such as the Flores de Mayo, Philippine Independence Day, in Tel-Aviv. To show solidarity with the Israelis, it called upon Labor Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day to foster the spirit of Bayanihan among OFWs and painted the walls camaraderie among OFWs and help fight homesickness. of the Rogenzon Bialik School in Tel-Aviv which was Also, it has regular fellowship sessions where other Filipinos, damaged by three suicide bombings in the past. not necessarily FFCI members, come and meet each other, and share stories to further build unity among them.
In conferring the Banaag Award to the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel, the President recognizes the successful collective efforts of overseas Filipino workers in promoting the interests and welfare of their kababayan in Israel and in the Philippines, and for its commendable initiatives in fostering solidarity between the peoples of both countries.
29 Banaag
George G. Gange United States of America
The last five decades saw Filipino-American Girls’ Town of Amelia Gordon in Olongapo City. George G. Gange in various stages of personal The FVR also sources funds for victims of natural development: as a working student and a calamities such as the Thailand tsunami tragedy, budding musician, as an air traffic controller in the Indonesian and Haitian earthquakes, the U.S. Navy (USN), as a musician with a cause, hurricane Katrina, and the St. Bernard, Southern a prolific community advocate, and now, as an Leyte mudslides. airport commissioner in one of the busiest airports in the United States. Mr. Gange routinely visits nursing homes and hospitals where the Rondalla entertains aging In the 1960s, he was a working student and an and sick patients. He is a regular performer at amateur rondalla player. In his younger days, he the Art of Aging Gala, an evening show in Santa was already playing a Rondalla but not before Clara, California, for seniors of various delivering Manila Chronicle newspapers to nationalities. customers early in the morning. The 1970s saw the start of his naval career which spanned three The veterans, especially those who served in decades. The declaration of martial law on World War II, are very close to Mr. Gange’s September 1972 which led to the closure of all heart. He coordinates both with the U.S. media outfits, including the Manila Chronicle Veterans Administration and the Philippine where he worked part-time, hastened his Veterans Administration Offices for the timely decision to take the USN enlistment examination release of their pensions and benefits. In 2006, at the Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City. he facilitated a seniors’ symposium during which he launched a Dual Citizenship Program to allow Mr. Gange has chalked up 21 years of seniors and veterans to reacquire their Philippine dedicated US Naval (USN) service, during which citizenship. As a result, over 400 applicants were he assumed various positions from Ground Controller, Plane Captain, granted dual citizenship. He also arranged for full military honors for three Journeyman Controller, Facility Watch Supervisor, Facility FAA Examiner, veterans who had passed away. On Veterans Day, when the Fil-Am Training and Standardization Supervisor, and Tower/Radar Manager. WWII veterans participate in the parade, he gets sponsors from the Eventually, he became the Leading Chief Petty Officer in charge of local business community who can provide free meals to the aging more than 40 other navy controllers at the Air Traffic Control Division of veterans. the Naval Air Station in Moffett Field, California. In 2003, he supported the family of WWII veteran Vicente Pascua who His performance as a highly skilled Air Traffic Controller and Facility was killed in a mugging incident in San Francisco. He donated his US$500 Watch Supervisor who was instrumental in the prevention of four honoraria from a Rondalla workshop he conducted to subsidize the cost separate documented aircraft mishaps/accidents (and thereby saving of shipping the veteran’s body to the Philippines. He also donated the lives and material resources of the U.S. government) led to his selection honoraria he received from a group performance to the Philippines as the NAS Moffett Field Sailor of the Year in 1983. He represented the Bayanihan Fund during the 19th People Power anniversary celebrations. Commander Patrol Wings Pacific as its candidate for the worldwide USN Admiral Pirie Air Traffic Controller of the Year and Shore Sailor of the As a way of keeping the music of Rondalla alive, he conceived a lend- Year competitions. He received numerous awards, medals, and to-own-a-Rondalla plan for marginalized children in the Philippines who commendations, including a citation and commendation from the U.S. are interested in learning the instrument but do not have the financial Secretary of the Navy. capability to own one. Brand new Rondallas are offered on loan basis to selected barangays where these children reside. He also produced a Three years before his retirement in 1994, he was chosen by the video tutorial on how to play the Rondalla and provides informal tutorial National Aeronautics and Space Administration to take part in an inter- sessions for young people. agency technical working group working on the development of the then experimental Vertical Short Take Off and Landing Aircraft. This Due to the widespread recognition of their talent and humanitarian involvement won him yet another award. service to the community, in 2004, Mr. Gange and his group were among the overseas contingents who participated in the First International His transition to civilian life took place in the mid-1990s, which saw the Rondalla Festival in Bicol and in the Asian Cultural Night in Anchorage birth of his social advocacy and the rebirth of his first love,the rondalla. which was held at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. In 1998, Mr. Gange, together with a good friend, organized the Fil-Am Veterans Rondalla (FVR). His continuing goal is to promote the unique For his dedication and commitment to community service and other Filipino cultural music art forms and, at the same time, raise funds for worthy causes, this be-medalled sailor has been the recipient of several social concern initiatives both in the U.S. and in the Philippines. The group awards which include the prestigious Jefferson Awards for Public is largely composed of retired Filipino sailors and servicemen who share Service (community level), the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the the same passion for the Rondalla and worthy causes. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a California Senate Commendation, and the Dr. Jose Rizal Community Hero Award, among others. The FVR raises funds for worthy causes by playing along busy intersections/streets and performing in rallies and festivities in California. Mr. Gange has come a long long way from Manila to California and It donates to several worthy projects such as the Gawad Kalinga, the from his paper route and Rondalla days of his youth to the U.S. Navy and Philippine Bayanihan Fund, the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, and the Bantay back to the Rondalla days of his prime. He is not just an expert air traffic Bata 163. Other recipients of their donations include Atikha Save a Tree controller and sailor but an avid musician with an enduring mission of of Life Fund, Heart Bridge International Foundation, and the Boys’ and being of service to others.
In conferring the Banaag Award to George G. Gange, the President recognizes his passion for the propagation of a unique Filipino music art form -the Rondalla- and his exceptional ability to combine his diverse skills in the arts and in traffic controllership for the benefit of Filipino war veterans and senior citizens in the Philippines and the United States.
30 Banaag
Marilyn Wafa R. Kasimieh United Arab Emirates
To serve one’s countrymen is a noble repatriated back home, she made deed, especially when the form of representations with various donors to service transcends geographic assist in their repatriation and, in some boundaries and the agent is someone instances, even for airlifting the remains who had to hurdle many obstacles to of deceased workers. his/her own personal development in order to be of service to others. That same year, she proposed partnerships with the Philippine Since she entered Dubai, United Arab Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to Emirates, with a visitor’s visa in 1984, Ms. respond to the plight of distressed Filipino Marilyn Wafa Kasimieh experienced workers. She helped the POLO conduct hardships not unlike what most workshops to upgrade the skills of temporary visa holders have to go runaway Filipino migrants, some of through in the Emirates–the difficulty of whom went on to work part-time to earn finding good employers or sponsors who their fare back home. Others were fully can help secure a working visa to reintegrated into the labor force with regularize their stay in the country. She their new employers settling disputes held a string of odd jobs as a saleslady, with former employers on their behalf. a cashier, and a secretary with very little security, and in the process, fell prey to In 2007, it was through her initiative unscrupulous employers who did not that the Department of Islamic Affairs give commensurate pay for her efforts. But Ms. Kasimieh’s sponsored a basketball tournament as a healthy luck turned around when a Filipino couple took her under alternative for workers who were interested in spending their care. In 1991, she was eventually employed by a film their free time in sports. Over 20 teams participated in the and video outfit which sponsored her working visa and tournament which has since become an annual activity. took notice of her initiative and perseverance. In the same year, she was chosen as the best staff in her Department and was nominated for the Sheikh In 1996, she joined the Department of Islamic Affairs and Mohammad Excellence Award, a government initiative Charitable Activities as an administrative assistant. Since which seeks to recognize government employees for service then, she has risen from the ranks to become a Senior Advisor excellence. The nomination also earned her promotion to by 2007, following her commendation for excellent service the post she holds today. She was deputized by the within that Department. Philippine Consulate as a Filipino community leader in October 2007 to provide assistance to Filipino workers In her early years on the job, she was tasked to assist the whenever the need arises. inmates of the Central Jail of Dubai. Finding a large number of Filipinos amongst them, she served as their intermediary In the aftermath of typhoon Frank in 2008, Ms. Kasimieh in securing better treatment from jail authorities, including personally sent relief goods to Iloilo consisting of sacks of rice, the possibility of securing a rehabilitative program to assist canned goods, clothes, and school supplies for the victims inmates in facing life after jail. Maintaining close coordination and their families. The relief goods were distributed with the with OWWA, she convinced her superiors to expand the assistance of the local government of Lambunao, Iloilo. scope and area of her work to include catering to six other Realizing that the most urgent need after the floods had jails. She was responsible for ensuring that legal assistance subsided was access to water supply, she donated two was made available to inmates and that the Philippine water pumps per month over a three-year period. A total Consulate would be kept informed about the progress of of 36 water pumps have since been constructed through their cases. She also made an extra effort to assist inmates Ms. Kasimieh’s funding support. Beneficiary municipalities purchase airline tickets for their repatriation. As a testament were located in Iloilo, Cavite and the cities of Bacolod, to her work ethic, the Department offered her a scholarship General Santos, and Cotabato. to complete a bachelor of arts in Islamic studies at Preston University. In 2009, Ms. Kasimieh responded to a request for assistance from the Philippine National Police Office in Lambunao, When her Department decided to go full blast in Iloilo. She funded the procurement of office equipment introducing their services to the public in 2005, Ms. Kasimieh and furniture. In the same year, Ms. Kasimieh again donated spearheaded its participation in various government funds for the purchase of hospital supplies and equipment activities. This included organizing volunteer groups for to refurnish the Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital. hospital visits in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Finding She has continued to provide financial support to the that some patients did not have the resources to be hospital over the past six years.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Marilyn Wafa R. Kasimieh, the President recognizes her invaluable initiatives which have benefited distressed Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates and her commendable extension of financial assistance to improve the living conditions of her kababayan in the province of Iloilo and beyond.
31 Banaag
Kinding Sindaw United States of America
Kinding Sindaw is considered In a little over two years of its by many as a national treasure existence, Kinding Sindaw takes because it elicits pride in the pride of its more than 50 hearts of Filipino Muslims in the performances at various festivals Philippines and the United and cultural gatherings. Because States. By featuring the dances, of its excellence in theatrical music and other art forms of dance presentations, artistic Mindanao tribes who were left courage, and the intensity of untouched by the Spanish and their commitment to showcasing American colonizers, it the Philippines’ rich history and showcases the country’s Muslim folklore, Kinding Sindaw became heritage. Kinding Sindaw’s focus a resident theatre company of on indigenous culture and La Mama Experimental Theater tradition serves to inspire those Club in New York in 2000. The who seek their roots in pre- latter is a world theatre which colonial Philippines. has been in existence for almost 50 years. Its primary thrust is the In 1992, Ms. Potri Ranka Manis production of global art forms and founded the dance troupe and the presentation of the most called it Kinding Sindaw, the ancient Maranao term for “Dance authentic artistic voices from around the world. of Light.” Ms. Manis, who comes from a royal Maranao clan, is also the troupe’s performer, choreographer, and artistic Kinding Sindaw participated in a number of fund-raising director. Many of the dances in the troupe’s repertoire have activities by performing at benefit shows for the Filipino victims been passed down through successor generations, and her of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, the own artistic interests led her to do further research on the dances famine-stricken communities in Mindanao, the construction of and art forms of the other Mindanao tribes. the Save Our Street Children Foundation Center in Baguio City, the support activities for the Philippine Nurses Association in The dances of Kinding Sindaw originate from the royal court New York, and the typhoon victims in the Philippines as well as dances of the Maranao Sultanate. A repertory of the sacred, the earthquake victims in Indonesia. the classic, and the secular, they reflect the richness of the natural environment through a unique combination of grace As part of its Philippine history and cultural education program, and vigor in execution. The musical accompaniment consists Kinding Sindaw conducts lectures, symposia, workshops, and of different percussion instruments: the kulintang, a tuned fora on dances for the Filipino Inter-collegiate Network Dialogue bronze kettle drum set, known more commonly in the West as in Ramapo College, New Jersey; Lotus Arts Studios in New York; gamelan; a variety of hanging gongs which include the bossed Fulbright Scholars of New School in New York; Filipino-American agong and the unbossed gandingan and bababdir; and the Artist Foundation; Philippine Consulate General in New York; dabakan, a cylindrical drum. Other instruments used by and humanities students of La Guardia Community College, Mindanao cultural groups include the salunay, a polychordal Queens, New York. The troupe also conducted a series of story- bamboo tube zither; the kudlung, a two-stringed lute; and the telling activities with performances about Filipino folk tales, kubing, a bamboo jaws harp. music, and dances at the Queens Library in New York.
In its desire to propagate indigenous Filipino arts and music, Kinding Sindaw has performed all over the United States and Kinding Sindaw has produced cultural presentations drawn from at international socio-civic events such as the Global NGO Forum legends, epics, myths; performances featuring tribal dances; for Women in Beijing and the United Nations commemoration and demonstrations of kulintang music and martial arts. Among of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial these are the Pandibulan: Bathing by Moonlight which honors Discrimination. The troupe was featured in the Martha Stewart the Yakan people from the Basilan Island; Bembaran, an ancient Show Philippine Special and performed at Yale University, Lincoln Philippine tale of love and loyalty in the 20th century setting; Center, Wave Hill, Elebash Recital Hall, Puffin Room, Sylvia and Mindanao’s Living Traditions on Stage featuring indigenous Danny Kaye Playhouse, Theatre of the Riverside Church, Mindanao music and arts, demonstration of native instruments, Kennedy Center, Nunnbetter Dance Theater, Museum of and lectures by scholars and writers on Maranao life and culture Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, and the presented in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General; Smithsonian Institution. Sultan Kudarat which resurrects the monumental story of Sultan Kudarat and the people of Maguindanao; Sinta which featured As a testament to its works, the New York Express Week cited the Maranao kasuduratan dance, Tausug turtle dance, and Kinding Sindaw for educating audiences through music and Tiboli marriage rituals; Parang Sabil (Sword of Honor) which other art forms. The New York Theatre Review described one depicts the conquest of the Tausug people by the Americans; of its performances as a magical world of music, dance, and Lemlunay which is based on an epic story of the Tiboli people; drama coming to life on stage. Vignettes of Mindanao which featured the cultural lives, traditions, dance, music, and martial arts of indigenous people in the Philippines; and Rajah Mangandiri which is Kinding Sindaw’s adaptation of the the 4th century Indian epic Ramayana as preserved by the Maranao people.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Kinding Sindaw, the President recognizes its sense of pride and dedication to the promotion of indigenous Filipino culture and art forms, particularly from the Southern Mindanao region, through its world-class performances.
32 Banaag
Sr. Lucia C. Olalia South Korea
When she founded the Friends Without offices. Further, as a result of her Borders Migrants’ Center in Gyeonggi- initiatives, the OFWs in Kasan and the do, South Korea, in 2004, Sr. Lucia Olalia Philippine Embassy in Seoul collaborate must have been inspired by the Parable to address concerns affecting overseas of the Lost Sheep. She has devoted her Filipinos. The latter are now better life to a pastorelle that provides a place informed through regular updates on of refuge not for lambs gone astray but labor issues, seminars and training for distressed migrants such as programs, and other news and maltreated wives and disadvantaged information from the Post. workers. The Center is a concrete response to the increasing need to Apart from her regular activities, Sr. provide various forms of assistance to Lucia worked tirelessly to seek legal South Korea-based migrants regardless assistance on behalf of Filipinos and of their nationality, ethnic origin, and foreign workers in difficult situations. She religious affiliation. courageously goes to factories to meet and negotiate with Korean employers Cognizant of the plight of suffering who abuse and exploit Filipinos. She women who have intermarried and are also regularly visits foreign and Filipino subjected to physical, sexual, and inmates at the Taejon Prison where she economic abused by their spouses, Sr. provides counseling to the inmates, Lucia conceptualized a plan to help them regain self- shells out personal funds to buy stamps and writing pads so confidence and facilitate their reintegration into the the inmates can write their respective families in the mainstream. Philippines and provide updates on their condition.
Sr. Olalia’s background in psychology and her professional Aware that most OFWs, whom she describes as having 3D experience as a counselor in the Philippines proved to be jobs (Dirty, Difficult, and Dangerous) in South Korea, would useful in developing a guidance and counseling program eventually return to the Philippines when their contracts for the foreign wives of Korean nationals. She conducted expire, she coordinates with a financial institution in Seoul several four-month long programs at the MOYSE Shelter in to help her facilitate the processing of the savings account Cheonan and Taejon, South Korea. The objective was to applications of some OFWs. She provides financial build a support network among the participants that would counseling and puts emphasis on the need to save hard- enable them to mentor and lend moral support to each earned money before they return to the Philippines. other. To-date, dozens of women from different developing countries and based in other South Korean cities, including A religious and a social worker rolled into one, Sr. Lucia a good number of Filipinas, have benefited from her responds to OFWs in dire circumstances with exemplary intervention. dedication beyond the call of duty. Because of her efforts, the case of a Filipina who died in an amusement park in Aside from being a counselor, Sr. Lucia worked actively for South Korea was resolved; an OFW had a successful surgery eight years as a coordinator at the Catholic International with medical expenses amply covered through her fund- Parish of Seoul which served as a second home for foreigners raising initiatives; and an abused Filipina obtained a divorce working or residing in South Korea. The parish celebrates from her foreign spouse and gained custody over her mass in German, English, Italian, Spanish, French, and daughter through her intercession. Portuguese to accommodate the spiritual needs of various nationality groups. In 2009, even as she was thousands of miles away from the Philippines, Sr. Lucia felt the desperate situation of When the Kasan Migrant Workers’ Center requested for a families who were devastated by typhoons Ondoy and Filipino pastoral worker to accommodate the huge number Pepeng. She coordinated with Filipino associations and of OFWs availing of their services, the Sisters of Jesus Good religious communities in South Korea, including the Shepherd Pastorelle sent Sr. Lucia given her proven Association of Women Religious Superiors of South Korea, to capacity to render excellent service. As a pastoral worker, seek donations for the victims. The donations amounting to she assisted OFWs with problems involving the violation of more than US$28,000 were used to rehabilitate lives and their human rights and social welfare. She visited them in communities through medical outreach programs, hospitals, immigration and detention centers, and labor livelihood assistance, and skills enhancement projects.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Sr. Lucia C. Olalia, the President recognizes her outstanding service and tireless efforts to extend much-needed assistance to distressed migrants in South Korea, and her resourcefulness in providing solutions to cases involving the violation of human rights of Filipinos overseas.
33 Banaag
Evangelina V. Ybo Jordan
If a search for a global Filipino were To recognize the benevolence of to be conducted, Evangelina V. Ybo selected Jordanian and other foreign will definitely top the list. employers to their Filipino employees, Ms. Ybo organized an awarding ceremony A humble house manager and nanny for 35 Model Employers of the Year, for sixteen years and in three continents which included Her Royal Highness while in the service of a foreign couple Princess Sumaya as one of the honorees. involved in international The award seeks to encourage better organizations, Ms. Ybo has exemplified treatment of household service workers the best Filipino qualities and values and create a conducive working by extending assistance to her environment built on trust, respect, and kababayan worldwide beyond the recognition of mutual rights. limits of her personal capacity. Noting the financial burden faced by Ms. Ybo considers fostering a strong more than 70 Filipino Muslim scholars sense of unity among different Filipino studying Islamic Law and Jurisprudence organizations in Jordan as her greatest at the University of Mu’tah in the accomplishment. Just like Filipino Province of Karak, Ms. Ybo exempted groups in other countries, the various associations in Jordan them from paying their monthly membership dues in the have different agendas and objectives that often lead to Federation and oftentimes extends monetary assistance to misunderstanding and conflicts among themselves. In 2005, them. The FilOrg-Jordan has also become a venue for she started her advocacy to unite the various organizations Filipino Muslims and Christians to work together peacefully. into a federation. Three years after, given her patience and sustained advocacy, various Filipino community Ms Ybo is also a volunteer in the various activities of The organizations finally converged, identified common goals, Jesuit Center, a special English-language Catholic Parish and eventually gave birth to the Federation of Filipino that serves the diverse expatriate community in Amman. Organizations in Jordan or FilOrg-Jordan. Aside from She serves as a guitarist and music ministry coordinator at fostering unity, the Federation also seeks to secure more the weekly evening mass celebrated in a hostel run by the rights and better conditions for domestic helpers in Philippine Embassy for distressed Filipinas who need a secure cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Amman. shelter while awaiting the resolution of their cases. She also organizes the First Holy Communion of Filipino children in the After the Federation’s charter was ratified, Ms. Ybo was Center and trains them to serve in the parish mass on Fridays, elected president for a two-year term. In recognition of her and to participate in several parish activities during untiring efforts and unquestionable leadership, she was Christmas as singers and dancers. overwhelmingly re-elected by her fellow leaders in early 2010. Today, the Federation has 19 Filipino organizations True to her nature as a “global Filipino,” in whatever comprised of 800 members. It has organized countless country her employers are stationed, Ms. Ybo is able to use activities geared to promote camaraderie, enhance skills, her leadership skills. Before moving to Jordan, she was recognize talents, and uplift the image of Filipinos in Jordan. actively involved in the causes of the Filipino community in It regularly conducts sports festivals, talent shows, seminars Cairo. She spearheaded community events that enabled and trainings, and actively participates in the Philippine Filipinos to get closer and raise funds for legal defense and Independence Day Celebration in Amman. support services of Filipinos experiencing extreme difficulties. She also accompanied a dying Filipino widow on the latter’s Ms. Ybo also led several campaigns to promote awareness trip back to Manila and provided much needed support on the situation of Filipino migrant workers in Jordan by and assistance. She worked on the required legal papers organizing charity concerts for victims of illegal recruitment so she could adopt the child of the dying widow. While in and distressed overseas Filipinos. She also spearheaded South Africa, Ms. Ybo joined a Neighborhood Crisis campaigns to support the victims of calamities in the Committee to devise strategies to help the local community Philippines. survive a military coup d’etat.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Evangelina V. Ybo, the President recognizes her exceptional achievement in uniting Filipino organizations in Jordan; advocating for their equal protection, recognition and welfare; and fostering good employer-employee relations to improve the working environment of Filipinos overseas.
34 Pamana ng Pilipino
The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.
Awardees
Lilac L. Caña Canada
Angelito DL. David United States of America
Fred S. De Asis United States of America
Bernard Randy G. Gener United States of America
Lillibeth E. Navarro United States of America
Rafe Totengco United States of America
Pamana ng Pilipino
Lilac L. Caña United States of America
A dynamic soprano who touches performance at Parliament Hill in audiences worldwide with her dazzling Ottawa for Asian Heritage Month performances in operatic, broadway, celebrations. jazz or pop music, Ms. Lilac Caña began classical voice training in Austria with the She has also served as cantor at American Institute of Musical Studies. several churches in the Greater Toronto She graduated with honors from the Area, including the Rosedale University of Toronto Opera Performance Presbyterian Church, St. Peter’s Church, Program and studied at the Glenn Metropolitan United Church, St. Isaac Gould Professional School at the Royal Jogues. She is currently the musical Conservatory of Music. director of St. John’s Polish National Catholic Church. Ms. Caña has From 1997 to 2000, Ms. Caña performed appeared in televised Masses with the Canadian Opera Company sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chorus as a chorus member in several Toronto and had the distinct honor of original productions, most notably in singing for Pope John Paul II on World Wagner’s Der Fliegende Höllander, Youth Day 2002 as a featured soloist with Polenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, and the World Youth Day Choir. Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex / Symphony of Psalms. She played operatic roles with In 1997, Ms. Caña founded the Lilac Opera Mississauga, including an Sounds Productions that has so far appearance as Annina in Puccini’s La Traviata and as released seven compact disc albums featuring her rendition Frasquita in Bizet’s Carmen. She took on musical theatre of selected songs: Encantada, released in 1998 featuring roles with CVS Productions playing the part of Valencienne songs and arias in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and in Lehar’s The Merry Widow and Tuptim in Rodgers and Filipino, with original jazz-influenced songs in English; Labing Hammerstein’s The King and I. She also played the roles of Dalawa, released in 1999 featuring classical Filipino love Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Despina in Cosi songs performed with internationally acclaimed concert Fan Tutte with the Brampton Lyric Opera. She created the pianist Raul Sunico; Exultate, released in 2001, featuring role of Lai-Gwan in the world premiere of Iron Road with spiritual music throughout the ages; I’ll Be With You, released Tapestry Music Theatre which was first produced at Toronto’s in 2006, featuring a collection of songs in several languages Elgin Theatre in 2001. and styles on the themes of love, loss, redemption, and integration; A Christmas Celebration, released in 2007, As a concert soloist, Ms. Caña has appeared in symphonic, featuring favorite carols and songs to inspire everyone chamber, oratorio, and contemporary music works with during the Yuletide season; Believe, released in 2009, numerous orchestras and choirs in Canada, the United featuring songs of praise and worship; and Blossom, released States, Europe, and the Philippines. She has sung with the in 2009, featuring a collection of Ms. Caña’s favorite songs. Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, the Orchestra da Camera Toronto, the Toronto Synfonietta, the Kammermusik Ms. Caña has also given concerts and created various Toronto, the Mississauga Symphony, the Northumberland multi-media arts events which have benefited several Orchestra, the Counterpoint Community Orchestra, the charities in Canada and the Philippines. Through her Cana Sinfonia Sacra, The Cellar Singers, the Orpheus Choir, the Caridad Foundation, Ms. Caña has organized charity Ensemble TrypTych Chamber Choir, the Silverthorn events such as: Blossom Album Concert and CD Launch Symphonic Winds, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra at held on 19 September 2009, that was able to raise C$3,000 the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Philippine for the benefit of Free the Children, a Canadian charitable Ballet Theater at the Danny Kaye Playhouse in New York organization that helps children through education; and City. Blessing Album Concert and CD Launch held on 28 January 2010, that was able to raise C$40,000 for the rebuilding of Some of her most noted concert solo performances include the Rehabilitation and Livelihood Training Center of the appearing as soprano soloist with bass-baritone Gary Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries in Talisay, Relyea and the Cellar Singers in Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Cebu. Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Elijah, soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Sacred Music Society, soprano In recognition of her contributions to the arts and her soloist in Stanford’s Stabat Mater with Ensemble Tryptych service to the community as a musician in Canada, Ms. Chamber Choir, featured artist at the Tastes of Heaven Caña received the Performing Arts-Humanities Award given Gala for the Catholic Missions in Canada, soprano soloist in by the National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada A Metro Christmas with Toronto’s Orpheus Choir, and a (NEPMCC) in October 2009.
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Lilac L. Caña, the President recognizes her remarkable achievements as a virtuoso performer in music and as a generous benefactor of many causes that contribute to the well-being of underprivileged sectors in the Philippines and Canada.
37 Pamana ng Pilipino
Angelito DL. David United States of America
An artist once said that his artworks. He won watercolor is poetry in awards in juried shows as motion and must be member of the Hudson painted with an Artists, Inc., Garden intolerable ease. That is State, New Jersey, and why for most painters, the American watercolor is the hardest Watercolor Societies. medium to work with because it leaves no room Today, he is a leading for mistakes, not in the figure in the drawing nor in the layering contemporary of the paint. But award international art scene. winning watercolorist Mr. David has held Angelito DL. David has successful solo and group mastered the art adeptly, exhibits in the Philippines, through his vivid and Italy, and the United colorful creations that have stirred viewers’ different States. Among the exhibits where his artworks were emotions. featured include: the Philippine Cultural Exhibition to Tokyo, the International Art Exhibition (Asia), the An illustrious creative artist and an exemplary Philippine Independence Centennial Celebration advocate of Philippine visual arts heritage, Mr. David Exhibits in New York and Washington, the Hudson Artists hailed from Balanga, Bataan. He graduated with a Annual Juried Show, the Society of the Philippine- bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of American Artists Annual Exhibit, the Garden State Sto. Tomas in 1957. He continued to seek the beautiful Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit, and the National in Italy, the reputed artists’ haven, where he studied Arts Program Annual Exhibit in New Jersey painting, fresco, and restoration of the arts, historical monuments, and documents. As an artist, he Mr. David also shares his expertise with a larger participated actively in various competitions in Rome audience. He currently teaches watercolor at the Visual and surrounding cities and garnered major prizes. Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit, the Arts Guild of Working with highly skilled restorers, he saved some of Rahway, and the Jersey Central Arts Studio in Cranford. the world’s priceless antiquities in Florence. He conducts workshops for art groups on watercolor glazing or “pouring.” His talent and skills have inspired He moved to New York in 1967 and worked briefly for many young art students and up-and-coming artists. two years restoring rare books and documents so that future generations can also appreciate the writings Believing in the creativity and talent of Filipino- of their forebears. He returned to the Philippines in American artists, he co-founded the Society of Philippine- 1969, where he started to take the spotlight for his American Artists in 1995. The organization aims to mastery of watercolor. He taught fine arts in different promote Philippine arts, assist aspiring artists in the New colleges and universities for over 22 years while York area to upgrade their skills and techniques. exhibiting his works in galleries and other venues. He co-organized and headed the Watercolor Society of In 2005, he was recognized as the Artist of the Year the Philippines, and became one of the prime movers by the Hudson Artists for his extraordinary skill in of the Art Association of the Philippines. He also watercolor painting. His works have been published in became an art conservator, consultant, books and featured in various publications. authenticator, and appraiser of art works in various public and private institutions which include the Aside from painting, Mr. David has been actively National Museum, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the promoting Philippine music and culture as the lead National Historical Institute, the Malacañang Palace bandurria player of the UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla. Museum, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He is also a pastoral leader and a founding member of a Filipino religious group based in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Mr. David migrated to the United States in 1992, Church in Linden, Newark. where he continued to shine and earn recognition for
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Angelito DL. David, the President recognizes his international stature as watercolorist and art conservator, and his invaluable contribution as an exemplar of Filipino talent in the arts and a staunch promoter of Philippine culture in the United States.
38 Pamana ng Pilipino
Fred S. De Asis United States of America
With the dawn of the private collections in the modern art, one of the most Philippines, England, intricate yet beautiful Canada, Japan, Spain, ancient Filipino art Mexico and the US. Some techniques was almost lost. were featured in the US But one Filipino artist made national television and it his mission to revive and several publications. preserve the lost art. Mr. De Asis is the only International artist and Filipino artist whose curator, Fred De Asis is the artworks were chosen for man behind the highly display by Sak’s Fifth publicized Philippine cultural Avenue, an international traveling art exhibit entitled high-end department store, “Kut-kut: the Lost Art of the during the annual Highland Philippines”, which debuted Park Art Work Festival. His in the US in 2006. An ancient works have also been Philippine art style and displayed during the Skokie technique based on early Festival of Cultures and the century art forms, Kut-kut is a combination of ancient Asian American Festival of Chicago. Because of his art processes which utilizes the processes of sgraffito, eye for the arts, he became a sought-after judge in encaustic and layering. The merging of these ancient many prestigious art fairs across the US. Remarkably, styles produces a unique artwork characterized by he also supports charity groups and other organizations delicate swirling interwoven lines, multi-layered in their fundraising projects by donating his art works texture and an illusion of three-dimensional space. As either for auctions or as raffle prizes. a master practitioner of Kut-kut technique in North America, he conducts demos, lectures and art classes Aside from being a prolific artist, Mr. De Asis also for public to revive the lost art form. proves to be a good community leader. He was the first Asian-American to be appointed as Arts Much to his desire of promoting Filipino arts and Commissioner of the Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois culture to Filipino-Americans, Mr. De Asis also conducts in December 2006. The Art Commission plays a primary free Parol Making Workshop since 2006. Held annually, role in enhancing and encouraging cultural the workshop gives opportunity to Filipino-American advancement within the village. He also serves as children to learn how to make parols, and presents director of the Southeast Asian Artist Coalition of North Filipino artistry and culture during the Christmas season. America. In 1980, he co-founded a Filipino artists group Moreover, he conducts Saranggolahan Pilipino, a in Chicago called Larawan where he was elected as workshop which aims to strengthen parent and child its first president. The group showcases Filipino talents relationship by working together in making kites. He by providing fine art exhibits in Chicago area. also teaches Filipino art classes at the Paaralang Pilipino for Filipino-American youth in Chicago area. In 1982, Mr. De Asis opened the Fdeasis Fine Art studio in Chicago, providing private commission of portraits Coming from a family of artists and classical and artworks, furniture and interior design, and musicians, being an artist is innate for Mr. De Asis. His commercial advertisements. He now manages studios talent, especially in ancient and classical art, was also and galleries in Chicago, New York and Arlington enhanced as a result of years of study throughout the Heights. Philippines, Thailand, Spain and the US. He has participated in many solo and group art exhibits in His artistic talent and skilled leadership made him Europe and Asia. Among the galleries which the recipient of 2006 Fil-Am and 2007 Asian-American showcased his works were the Redfern Gallery of Hall of Fame awards for outstanding achievement of London, Galleria Alfama of Madrid, and Ginza Meiji an individual in promoting arts and culture in North Gallery of Tokyo. His paintings are found in public and America.
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Fred S. De Asis, the President recognizes his artistry for preserving ancient Philippine art techniques, and promoting Filipino arts and culture in the United States.
39 Pamana ng Pilipino
Bernard Randy G. Gener United States of America
Writer, director, playwright, critic, Middle-Eastern American Drama in the United dramaturgist, lecturer, and editor—titles that States. Mr. Gener was also a major contributor reflect the innate talents of Mr. Bernard Randy to the Cambridge Guide to the American Gener. Theater, a U.S. theater encyclopedia published by the Cambridge University Press in 2007. His A Manileño until his migration to the United essay on the history of Filipino-American theatre States in 1986 to join his mother in Nevada, Mr. is the first time that the artistic contributions of Gener eventually became a New Yorker after Filipino-American theatre artists have been his graduation from college and his acceptance documented in any encyclopedia. In the past, of an internship with Village Voice. Two years contributions of Filipino-Americans were only later, he joined the regular staff as a theater critic included as part of the Asian-American and culture writer. At this juncture, Mr. Gener movement and not treated separately or given decided that he was ready to evolve from critic special focus. to creator. He forged international cultural exchanges He has since written and directed numerous through the arts by serving as lead producer plays such as: “Love Seats for Virginia Wolf,” and cultural exchange consultant for the first “What Remains of a Rembrandt Torn Into Four ever Filipino-American production to premiere Pieces,” “Sick With Lust: Fire, Island Tales,” “In in an Eastern European country following the fall September, The Light Changes,” and “Wait for Me of communism. He arranged for the Romanian at the Bottom of the Pool.” He has adapted works tour of the Ma-Yi Theater Company’s award- by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett, Sam Shepard, winning Filipino-American production of “The Romance of Magno Rubio” and Andrew Holleran, among others. His works have also appeared in in 2008. For the first time, Eastern Europe was introduced and exposed numerous publications such as The New York Times, The International to the artistry and creativity of a U.S.-based professional non-profit Herald Tribune, The Daily News, The Paris Review, The Star Ledger, Filipino-American theater company. He also gave two public lectures Gannett Newspapers, and The Korean Theatre Journal. His writings and headed a panel discussion in Romania that provided historical have also been translated and published in French, Spanish, Romanian, contexts. As a result, the Romanians came to understand that their Korean, Japanese, Czech, Hindi, Swedish, Russian, and Bulgarian vexed situation in the European Union had some important parallels to languages. the immigrant experiences of Filipinos in American history.
Mr. Gener made his mark in digital media as a pioneer drama critic in Mr. Gener demonstrated his innovativeness in creating visual art the New York Wire, an online magazine that started in 1995. He later exhibitions that promote a better understanding and appreciation by became a senior journalist of Theater.com and BroadwayOnline.com. the general public of the lives of Filipino immigrants in the United States. In June 2000, he became the first anchor of the live web cast of the He organized, produced, and curated two exhibitions on the history annual Tony Awards ceremonies. and culture of Filipinos and Filipino- Americans. The photo exhibit “To Be a Filipino in America: Carlos Bulosan and His World” was held at the Long Currently a senior editor of the American Theater Magazine, Mr. Gener Wharf Theater Company in New Haven, Connecticut from April to May affirmed his position as a leading drama critic of national and 2005. It explored the life and career of the poet/novelist Carlos Bulosan, international stature by being the first Asian-American to win the the first important literary voice for Filipinos in the United States. The prestigious George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism for second exhibit entitled “Positively No Filipinos Allowed: To Be A Filipino theatrical year 2007 to 2008. Conferred annually by the Heads of the in America” was presented at the Culture Project in New York City from English Departments of Yale, Princeton, and Cornell universities, the May to June 2007. It documented the lives of Filipino-American Nathan Awards is the highest accolade given in the United States for immigrants and Filipino migrant farm workers in California, Alaska, and dramatic criticism. Seattle in the 1930s and 1940s.
As an editor and critic, Mr. Gener has staunchly advocated for free The seemingly indefatigable Mr. Gener has volunteered and shared expression and free speech in the arts. A concrete example is his article, his time, expertise, and efforts at a number of prestigious national and “Fomenting a Denim Revolution,” that chronicles the plight of the guerilla international festivals, funding programs, play-subsidies, and arts artists of Belarus Free Theatre who performed underground in Minsk while philanthropy. He has also given lectures and participated in panel arguing openly for regime change. Said article earned Mr. Gener the discussions celebrating and critically exploring the artistic talents and 2010 Deadline Club Award for Best Arts Reporting, one of New York achievements of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. These include the City’s most prestigious journalism awards. following: moderating a panel discussion on “Beyond 3,000 Pairs of Shoes: Who is Imelda Marcos to Us Today?” featuring Filipino-American theater Using his articles in the American Theater Magazine, Mr. Gener has artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, and food luminaries; serving as also exposed numerous incidents of censorship and repression of theater plenary speaker during the two Dreaming the Americas theatre artists worldwide. He has covered reports on Indian Gujarati Theater conferences which focused on the lack of recognition of Filipino- artists facing death threats, house arrests, and violence; Chinese writers American theatre artists in U.S. mainstream theatre and on the future of confronting Communist Party guardians; allegations of censorship of Asian-American culture to an audience of theatre artists and theater in the government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela; the controversy practitioners from around the country; and giving a series of international over the call for the cultural boycott of Israel; and the emergence of lectures on the “Secret History the American Theater” which documents the struggles of Filipino-American theater artists in the United States.
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Bernard Randy G. Gener, the President recognizes his excellence in the field of theater arts and creativity, and diligence in promoting Filipino-American cultural interests and accomplishments to mainstream audiences in the United States.
40 Pamana ng Pilipino
Lillibeth E. Navarro United States of America
Because of her conviction that no one center serving central Los Angeles, the is free when others are oppressed, Communities Actively Living Lillibeth E. Navarro devoted her life to Independent & Free or CALIF. It fight for real social change and bring provides independent living about equality for all, especially the advocacy services like housing, disabled. counseling, teaching assistive technology, giving referrals, and Ms. Navarro has been physically organizing independent living skills disabled since she was five years old trainings, among others. In 2010, CALIF after contracting polio during her successfully led the fight to save the infancy. However, she did not let her City of Los Angeles’ Department on disability get in the way of leading a Disability from abolition. As Director of normal life. At age 15, she came to CALIF, she vows to achieve nothing short know the Focolare Movement, an of turning her vision into reality: the full international organization that inclusion, equality, and the promise of promotes the ideals of unity and life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for universal brotherhood. This encounter all people with disabilities, especially in totally revolutionized her view of the the underserved ethnic communities of world and her role in shaping it. Los Angeles. Inspired by these ideals, she embarked on a lifetime adventure to prove that “wheelchairs can fly!” Prior to the establishment of CALIF, in 1994, she founded the In-Home Supportive Services or IHSS Recipients and She reached out to other disabled people in her Providers Sharing whose goal is the establishment of a hometown in Tarlac and soon established a community for consumer-controlled Public Authority for Los Angeles the disabled. She wrote about people with disabilities. Her County. These efforts led to the successful establishment work eventually merited a scholarship at the University of of the biggest consumer-controlled IHSS Public Authority Southern California, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in the United States, now called the Personal Assistance degree in print journalism and a master’s degree in public Services Council. relations. With high hopes to bring about greater collaboration She joined the Disability Rights Movement in the mid- between the public and private sectors for the creation 80s and got involved in the fight for the passage of the of more accessible services for the physically-challenged, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other disability in 2009, she was appointed to head the Accessibility rights legislation. She led the Southern California chapter Enhancement Committee of the California Commission of ADAPT, an advocate-activist disability organization on Disability Access. Since her appointment, she has been that initiated the national campaign to put wheelchair representing the interests of the disabled community in its lifts and ramps in public transportation systems. This led to work to ensure the business community’s compliance her recognition as one of the national pioneers of the with the American Disabilities Act. disability rights movement in the United States. She was also recruited as one of the first planners to implement a Ms. Navarro has also been an active spokesperson in para-transit service for Los Angeles County. She ensured the fight against euthanasia for the disabled. Every year, that the service was going to be fully accessible and she leads her community in the fight against state budget disabled-friendly. While she was arrested several times cuts that diminish programs and services for her minority for her advocacies, she takes pride in having been group. She also assisted the Service Employees responsible for buses with lifts, sidewalks with curb cuts, International Union (SEIU) 1877 in their campaign to get and the fact that the disabled now have access to jobs airport wheelchair workers to get higher wages and in the American mainstream. benefits due to the complexity of their jobs from operating electronic wheelchairs to transferring disabled passengers. With the end-in-view of further empowering the disability community, in 2001, she founded the independent living
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Lillibeth E. Navarro, the President recognizes the strength of her passion and steadfastness in advocating for the rights and welfare of people with disabilities, and her many successful advocacies such as the establishment of the CALIF, an independent living center in the United States.
41 Pamana ng Pilipino
Rafe Totengco United States of America
If a dog is a man’s best friend, for Repeatedly featured in magazines most women… bags are it! such as In Style, Allure, Teen Vogue, Redbook, People, Cosmopolitan, RAFE is one of the few designer bag and Glamour, Mr. Totengco has labels with the most vibrant, enjoyed worldwide brand innovative, and exquisite designs. recognition in the international Hollywood stars and fashion icons like fashion scene. He received the Ten Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Kate Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Moss, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, Award in 2002, the Asian Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Sandra Oh, Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Lindsay Lohan, and Helena Christensen 2007, and the 50 Outstanding Asian have been spotted wearing RAFE. Americans Award in 2008. Drawing on his unique talents, multi-cultural Rafe Totengco is the man behind background, and eclectic RAFE New York, a line of accessories inspirations, he has become one of which include women’s handbags, the most acclaimed of a new shoes, and small leather goods. These generation of Filipino-American are available at upscale department international fashion designers. His stores and specialty boutiques success and sense of fulfillment worldwide including on-line shopping sites. He works springs from his desire to help people, and bring joy with a vast assortment of materials: wicker, rattan, and satisfaction to each of his customers as a valued sea grass, bamboo, cotton crochet, wool knit, friend. snakeskin, leather fur, beaded fabrics, linen, canvas, and resin – to create accessories that his loyal fans Despite his fame and success, Mr. Totengco never claim never go out of style. Every season, the RAFE fails to help his kababayan. He has partnered with collection is fresh and exciting, always crafted using Invisible, a Philippine-based organization that teaches only the finest materials and techniques. poor and marginalized women to crochet and knit accessories from waste materials. His Spring 2010 line Born in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, at 18, Mr. launched Craftwork, a capsule collection of handbags Totengco moved to Manila and started a fashion label featuring the crocheted works of women from Schizo for Sari-Sari. Without formal fashion training, he Invisible. turned Schizo into a successful clothing and accessories métier. At the height of his success in the In 2009, he designed shirts as part of the Marie Claire Philippine fashion scene, in 1989, he closed his business Philippines’ Gifts with a Conscience campaign. The and left Manila to take up fashion design at the Fashion sales proceeds went to the Tapulanga Foundation, Institute of Technology in New York. By 1994, he Inc., a non-profit charitable organization that provides produced his first accessories—belts and watchbands educational scholarships, healthcare, and micro- for a SoHo boutique. After working his way in and credit assistance to communities in Negros around a number of other companies, in 1995, he Occidental. The project also led to the establishment started RAFE New York. Since then, bags and of the Rafe Totengco College Scholarship. He also accessories under the label RAFE New York have helped the Foundation to raise money for the typhoon earned international acclaim. Ondoy victims in the Philippines in 2010 by sponsoring the RAFE Bags and Shoes Sale. In 2008, he was tapped by Target, a leading retail store in the United States, as the first accessories designer to create a capsule collection for the mass retailer, setting a precedent that was soon picked up by others.
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Rafe Totengco, the President recognizes his entrepreneurial spirit and innate creativity and resourcefulness with the establishment of RAFE New York, which has become one of the leading and most popular brands of handbags in the international fashion industry.
42 The Year 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
Awarding Ceremony Tuesday, 14 December 2010, 06:00 p.m., Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
Programme
The Philippine National Anthem
Invocation
Welcome Remarks Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Presentation of Awards by His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Republic of the Philippines
Response on Behalf of the Awardees Rafe Totengco
Musical Number
Introduction of the Keynote Speaker Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas
Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Republic of the Philippines
Dinner
Ms. Ces Oreña-Drilon Master of Ceremonies
43 The Presidential Awards System
The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is a biennial awards system intended to give recognition to Filipinos and other individuals or organizations that contribute to Philippine development and progress, or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. The awards are also given to Filipinos overseas who have distinguished themselves in their profession, and have brought honor to the Filipino people.
The awards system was institutionalized in 1991, with the signing of Executive Order No. 498. The awards have so far been extended to 314 Filipinos and private organizations overseas since its establishment. President Fidel V. Ramos conferred the first and second sets of Presidential Awards to 22 and 45 awardees in 1993 and 1996, respectively. President Joseph E. Estrada conferred the third and fourth sets of Presidential Awards to 30 and 59 awardees in 1998 and 2000, respectively. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sets of awards to 34 (with one special citation), 45, 48, and 31 awardees, in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 respectively.
The Presidential Awards consist of four categories. The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines. The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is accorded to foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. The Banaag Award is given to Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.
On 14 December 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III will honor 24 distinguished Filipino individuals and organizations based in 11 countries, who because of their exceptional achievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and the time-honored values of pakikipag-kapwa, pagtutulungan, and pagkakaisa.
The awardees include exemplars of Filipino excellence, individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people, stewards of community initiatives that promote cooperation for the common good, and advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of others. Civil society organizations based overseas, whose programs for intervention have helped improve the lives of others, particularly the marginalized, will also be honored in observance of the timeless tradition of utang na loob and bayanihan.
This year’s awardees were selected from a total of 110 nominations from 23 countries through 35 Philippine Embassies and Consulates. Of the 24 awardees, 16 are individuals while 8 are organizations. The awardees came from Australia, Canada, Germany, Hongkong, Israel, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and United States of America.
45 The Year 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
Executive Committee
CHAIRMAN
Mr. Jose Maria J. Palabrica Former Executive Director Commission on Filipinos Overseas
MEMBERS
Ms. Esperanza H. Quillopo Director, Office of the Presidential Protocol Office of the President
Mr. Ramon M. Lopez Executive Director Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship
Bishop Efraim M. Tendero National Director Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches
Mr. Rene Q. Bas Editor-in-Chief The Manila Times
46 The Year 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
Technical Committee
CHAIRPERSON
Ms. Minda I. Cabilao-Valencia Chief Emigrant Services Officer Commission on Filipinos Overseas
MEMBERS
Atty. Golda Myra R. Roma Chief Emigrant Services Officer Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Atty. Noemi Tan Diaz Special Assistant Office of the Undersecretary for Administration Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Patricia Oliver-Macam Legal Officer Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Marlene Ruth S. Sanchez Chief, Administrative Division National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Ms. Luningning E. Samarita Director, National Academy of Science and Technology Department of Science and Technology
Ms. Mary Lou L. Alcid Professor University of the Philippines
47 Gallery of Presidential Awardees
Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award Filipino Community in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Ablaza, Sariel G.G., M.D. Filipino Community of Guam Adams, Gloria Y. Foundation for Aid to the Philippines, Inc. ALA EH gem e.V. Volunteer Business Counselors of Doha Association of Philippine Physicians of America Cagas, Cosme R., M.D. Caoile, Gloria T. Kaanib ng Bayan Award De Venecia, Guillermo B., M.D. Enverga, Tobias Jr. Anesvad Foundation Evangelista, Stella S., M.D. Association Alouette Feed the Hungry, Inc. Association Philippines International of FEU-Dr. Nicanor Reyes School of Medicine Geneva Alumni Foundation Books for the Barrios Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Inc. California Technological Care, Inc. Filipino Women’s Association United Kingdom Catholic Medical Mission Board H.O.P.E. Foundation Children’s Chance CT Ho, Jesus T., M.D. Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation Ileto, Benjamin A., M.D. CORA Filipino American Task Force International Network of Filipinos Overseas Advisory Board Martin, Arsenio R., M.D. Hanazaki, Misao Montero, Juan II M., M.D. Heetens Helpgood Center Philippines Nacario, Emanuel N. International Medical Help for Children Navarra, Victoria C., M.D. Jules and Paul- Émile Léger Foundation Nihei, Mari Bernabe Ligier, Laurence C. Philippine American Foundation Ma’Ma Children’s Center of Norway Philippine Children’s Charity Fund Martens, Robert S., Ph.D. Philippine Cultural Organization in Saarland, E.V. Operation Rainbow Australia Limited Philippine Economic and Cultural Endowment Operation Smile International Science and Technology Advisory Council PAG-ASA Group – Japan San Francisco Philippine Development Assistance Society of Philippine Surgeons in America Programme Stichting Kapatiran “Salamat Po Kai” Tan, Elton See Social Welfare Corporation Raphael Clinic Tria, Honesto R. Tsakos Shipping and Trading, S.A. Tesalona, Alfredo T. Torio, Isabelo S., M.D. University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Banaag Award Society in America Vijungco, Jose G., M.D. Acebuche, Nestor A. Visayas-Mindanao Cultural Association e.V. Acosta, Rodrigo C. World Bank / IFC-IMF Filipino Association Al Zedjali, Essa Mohamed Andes, Phoebe Cabotaje Angelical, Lilia Kaakabay ng Bayan Award Aranilla, Leticia R. Astillero, Moh’d Ali Carlito, M.D. Aloha Medical Mission Asuncion, Alexander E. Balikatan sa Kaunlaran – Hong Kong Council Babaylan – Switzerland Confederation of Filipinos Overseas Organization Bagong Kulturang Pinoy, Inc. Filipino-American Community of Colorado Balik Bohol Medical Mission Filipino Community in Thailand Bautista, Antonio C.
48 Gallery of Presidential Awardees
Banaag Award Banaag Award
Bayoumi, Mohammad Ahmad Helbig, Aurea Beatty, Estrella C. Hernandez, Carmencita Benzon, Norma R. Ho, Eleanor B. Berberabe, Patricia A. Home-Reach Foundation, Inc. Berdos, Imelda Vollenweider Hong Kong Bayanihan Trust Buchholdt, Thelma G. Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Buhain, Wilfrido J., M.D. Ick, Claire R. Bulos, Alice P. Iskwelahang Pilipino, Inc. Carandang, Angeles R. Juele, Lilia R. Casambre, Sr. Mary Aida C. Kalayaan Casamina, Roland C. Kanagawa Women’s Space Ms. La Centre for Filipinos Kawayan Philippine Language and Cultural Centre for Philippine Concerns – Australia School Cheng, Sian Chun Kinderhilfe Philippinen Compas, Lolita B. Kinderhilfe Philippinen, E.V. Concepcion, Zenaida S., M.D. Lahing Kayumanggi Covarrubias, Grace F.N. Lammawin, Francis L. Cueto, Alex M., M.D. Lew, Bridget Cuizon, Virgilio G. Lubang-Looc International Cunanan, Aguedo Q. Magdalena, Joseph I. Cunina Organization Maharlika – Switzerland Dasodas, Catherine D. Manglona, Benjamin T. De Guzman – Formoso, Ruby L., M.D. Manuel, Vladimir James M. Dechaves, William D. March, Marina Roma, M.D. Del Rosario, Sonia S. Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians Dela Paz, James Allan Mataac, Celso Jr. T. Derpo, Esperanza R. McGuinnes, Amor I. Docoy, Fr. Eugene Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Evangelista, Jose L., M.D. Concepcion Farmer, Lolita L., Atty. Miyake, Chiyo Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada Muzones, Santiago Jr., L. Filipino American Human Services, Inc. National Organization of Professional Filipino American Medical, Inc. Teachers - Hong Kong Filipino Association in Brunei Natividad, Alicia, Atty. Filipino Association of Singapore Natividad, Cornelio R. Filipino Coalition for Solidarity, Inc. Natividad, Evelyn D.A., Ph.D. Filipino Communities Council of Australia, Inc. Navarra, Eduardo J. Filipino Community Center, Inc. Nemivant, Emma Balquiedra Filipino Cultural Club Noblejas, Dr. Antonio N. Filipino Korean Spouses Association Overs, Lilian Y. Filipino Ladies Association of Guam Panday Tinig Chorale Ensemble Florentino, Sr. Magdalena S., FMM Paragas, Rodolfo D. Fojas, Marcos R., M.D. Paterno, Ramon A.P. Garcia, Lamberto S. Penang Support Group for Migrant Filipinos Ginete, Alex Jose R. Philippine American Group of Educators Go, Mildred Aires and Surgeons Go, Roman Ting, Engr. Philippine Association of Metropolitan Goedicke, Charlotte Washington Engineers Halasz, Fr. Luis, SVD Philippine Community Council of New South Wales
49 Gallery of Presidential Awardees
Banaag Award Pamana ng Pilipino Award
Philippine Australian Sports and Culture, Inc. Alcantra, Anacleto R. Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. Antonio, Camilo C. Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Aquino, Belinda A., Ph.D. Philippine Heritage Band Aranda, Jacob V., M.D. Philippine Institute of Certified Public Ardiente, Editha M., Engr. Accountants Armit, Amelita Aranas Philippine Nurses Association of America Asera, Larry L., Engr. Philippine School Bahrain Asmundson, Ruth U., Mayor, Ph.D Philipsen, Adelina R. Baisas, Armando V. Pilapil, Virgilio D.R., M.D. Balcos, Ophelia G. Quiblado, Conrada P. Banatao, Diosdado P. Quinto, Edgardo R. Bebars, Evelyn Panganiban, M.D. Racinez, Sr. Olivia, WCW Bernardo, Rodolfo S., Ed.S. Ramos, Angel T. Besa-Dorotan, Amelita C. and Ravindranathan, N., M.D. Dorotan, Romeo G. Reed, Loline L. Bobis, Merlinda Rizal-Blumentritt Society Austria Buhay, Wilfredo R. Sabio, Fr. Raymond T. Burns, Emme Tomimbang Salazar, Lourdes A. Cadawas, Eliodoro C. Sales, Justina L. Camara, Jorge G., M.D. Search to Involve Pilipino Americans Cantos, Olegario VIII, D., Atty. Seguritan, Reuben Carlota, Lupo T., M.D. Sirmata (Vision) 2004 Castrence, Pura Santillan Steiner, Mona Lisa L. Castro, Salvador P. Tahanan (Diocesan Center for Filipino Cayetano, Benjamin J. Migrants) Chai, Arlene Joan Talangbayan, Francis V., M.D. Chen, Anita B. Tendencia, Benita B. Ciani, Lina L. Tenorio, Pedro P. Cielo, Angel B., M.D. Theresa, Ladeli Clemente, Lilia Calderon Tigno, Rosario B., M.D. Cordero, Paciente Jr. A. Tomelden, Benjamin Jr. S. Cordova, Frederic and Dorothy Tordjman, Paul Semo Cunanan, Zenaida F. Tuluyang Pinoy (Philippine Centre Zurich) Dadap, Michael A. United Filipino Council of Hawaii De Asis – Benitez, Joanne Uy, Emilio Y. De Guzman, Rodolfo A., M.D. Vargas, Orlando R. De Leon, Bayani M. Verstraeten, Jean Paul Del Rosario, Remedios K. Veterans Equity Center Dela Cruz, Cesar Victorian Community in Belgium Diaz, Jose Duddley Zamora, Prospero C. Esclamado, Alejandro A. Esguerra, Carlos D. Fernandez, Jovelle Laoag, M.D., Ph.D. Pamana ng Pilipino Award Fitzsimmons, Edith Dizon Flores, Eddie Jr. Abad, Pacita Fuentes, Dante C. Abella, Manolo I. Garcia, Jorge M., M.D. Abinsay, Felipe Jr. P. Garcia, Manuel M. Acosta, Adolovni P. Garcia, Renato B., MBE Aguirre, Bayani S. Goh, Ma. Cynthia J.
50 Gallery of Presidential Awardees
Pamana ng Pilipino Award Special Presidential Citation Guingona, Michael Patrick L. Hagedorn, Jessica Filipinas Magazine Haley, Ma. Luisa Mabilangan Hall, Vellie D. Hizon, Rico M. Ho, Anita Magsaysay Igarta, Venancio C. Kelly, Angelita Castro Lamagna, Carmen Z., Ph.D Layosa, Erlinda R. Lewis, Loida Nicolas, Atty. Lim, Lenore R.S. Llamas, Antonio Garcia Macabenta, Gregorio B. Magsino, Romulo F., Ph.D Mandac, Evelyn L. Manuel, Consorcio D. Maulana, Nasser B. Medalla, David C. Menez, Ernani G. Moguel, Milagros K. Natividad, Irene Natori, Josie C. Ostrea, Enrique Jr., M., M.D. Pagtakhan, Rey D., M.D. Palis, Rosendo K. Pangilinan, Manuel V. Pelayo, Libertito P. Quiambao, Rodolfo C., Engr. Ramos, Dr. Teresita V. Recana, Mel Red Rodriguez, Manuel Sr. A. Rustia, Jeffrey, P. Sagun, Teresita B. Salih, Sharifa Zeannat Alih Santos, Emmanuel T. Soriano, Edward Sunico, Raul M. Tabalba, Camilo M. Tabuena, Romeo V. Taguba, Antonio M., Maj. Gen. Uy, Constancia S., M.D. Velazco, Gundelina A., Ph.D. Veloria, Velma R. Villoria, Engr. Nilo L. Viola, Arturo T. Zwaenepoel, Rev. Paul
51 52 Directory of 2010 Awardees
LINKAPIL Awardees Kaanib ng Bayan Awardees
TERESITA CALDERON ALARCON CARITAS LEBANON MIGRANTS CENTER 19110 Dalton Points Place, Leesburg Takla Center, Charles Helou Blvd. Virginia 20176, USA Sin El Fil, Beirut, Lebanon Phone : (571) 333-5327 Phone : (961) 1-502550 Fax : (571) 333-5328 Fax : (961) 1-502550 extension 203 [email protected] [email protected]
RUTH C. MARTINEZ PHOEBE BIK CHE LAM 94A Roslyn St., Brighton, Victoria, Australia Flat 1, Block B, Lei Kei Bldg. Phone : (613) 95-931-909 Ngau Tau Kok Rd. 55, Kowloon, Hong Kong (614) 07-566-079 Phone : (852) 9771-8823 [email protected] (852) 2526-2629 [email protected] Fax : (852) 2526-2629 [email protected] NORTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF PHILIPPINE PHYSICIANS SUNNY KAI CHOR LAM OB-GYN Associates of Fredericksburg P.C. Flat 63, 3F, Block C, Homantin Hill Road 4105 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg Kowloon, Hong Kong Virginia 22408, USA Phone : (852) 9106-3618 Phone : (540) 898-0295 (852) 8260-4038 Fax : (540) 891-0225 Fax : (852) 2121-1414 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SIMHA SALPETER PHILIPPINE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF 28 Rembrant St., Tel Aviv, Israel CONNECTICUT Phone : (972) 974-39-334 58 Bittersweet Lane, Hamden [email protected] Connecticut, USA Phone : (203) 281-0716 Fax : (203) 709-3156 BANAAG Awardees [email protected]
DR. EMELY D. ABAGAT PHILIPPINE GERMAN COMMUNITY 43-1 Yeokgok 2 Dong Wonmigu OBERBERG, e.V. Bucheonsi, Gyeonggido, South Korea Ludenscheiderstr 61 Phone : (8222) 164-4404 Wipperfurth 51688, Germany (8201) 5160-2928 Phone : (049) 2267-2610 [email protected] [email protected]
53 Directory of 2010 Awardees
BANAAG Awardees
COMPUTER SOCIETY OF FILIPINOS SR. LUCIA C. OLALIA, SJBP INTERNATIONAL • 50 Mubong 1 Ri, Soheul-up, Pocheon-si Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Phone : 9660540364396/966502459875 • 409-7 Masan-ri, Kasan-Myeon, Pocheon-si Fax : 96614950875 South Korea 487-812 [email protected] Phone : (82) 31-543-1783/(82) 31-543-5795 [email protected] Fax : (82) 31-543-5296 [email protected] CONGRESS OF VISAYAN ORGANIZATIONS 99-1325 Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea EVANGELINA V. YBO Hawaii 96701, USA • Swan Lake Claytown, Daro, Dumaguete Phone : (510) 734-4491/(808) 756-3103 • Karital Ufok Bader Gedida Fax : (808) 443-0401 Greater Amman, Amman, Jordan [email protected] Phone : (962) 06-5472473 [email protected] [email protected]
FEDERATION OF FILIPINO COMMUNITIES IN ISRAEL c/o Mr. David Anteby PAMANA NG PILIPINO Awardees Phone : (972) 503-124-346 [email protected] LILAC L. CAÑA • 1816-81 Navy Wharf Court, Toronto GEORGE G. GANGE Ontario, Canada 1185 Piedmont Rd., San Jose • 2866 Portland Drive, Oakville Santa Clara County, California, USA Ontario, Canada Phone : (408) 926-8552 Phone : (416) 363-7886 / (905) 829-5514 [email protected] Fax : (905) 829-5516 [email protected] MARILYN WAFA R. KASIMIEH • Iloilo, Lambunao, Philippines ANGELITO DL. DAVID • Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities 427 Washinton Ave., Linden Department, Almamzar, Dubai, UAE New Jersey 07036, USA Phone : (04) 2629764 Phone : (908) 486-5918 (04) 608777 extension 503 [email protected] (04) 6087503 Fax: (04) 6087555 FRED S. DE ASIS [email protected] 2607 E. Radford Ct., Arlington Heights [email protected] Illinois 6004, USA Phone : (847) 227-8660 KINDING SINDAW [email protected] 47 East Great Jones St., 3rd Floor New York, New York 10012, USA Phone : (917) 710-2335 [email protected]
54 Directory of 2010 Awardees
PAMANA NG PILIPINO Awardees
BERNARD RANDY G. GENER • 853 7th Avenue, Suite 8F, New York City, USA • American Theater, Theater Communications Group, 520 8th Avenue, 24th Floor, New York Phone : (212) 246-7722 / (212) 609-5900 Fax : (212) 609-5902 [email protected]
LILLIBETH E. NAVARRO • 424 S. Westmoreland Avenue 304 Los Angeles, California, USA • CALIF-ILC, 634 S. Spring St. 2F, Los Angeles, California, USA Phone : (213) 386-3533 / (213) 627-0477 Fax: (213) 386-3533 [email protected]
RAFE TOTENGCO • 460 West 24th St., Apt. 6E, New York New York, USA • Rafe Corporation, 27 West 20th St. New York, New York, USA Phone : (917) 675-6922, (917) 546-2950 Fax : (917) 470-9960 [email protected]
55 The Commission on Filipinos Overseas The COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO) is an agency under the Office of the President which was established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79, to strengthen ties with Filipinos overseas and promote their interests in the Philippines and abroad.
FUNCTIONS OF CFO
B.P. 79 mandates CFO to: · Provide advice and assistance to the President and the Congress of the Philippines in the formulation of policies concerning or affecting Filipinos overseas; · Develop and implement programs to promote the interests and well-being of Filipinos overseas; · Serve as forum for preserving and enhancing the social, economic, and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas with the Philippine motherland; and · Provide liaison services to Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies in the transaction of business and similar ventures in the Philippines.
CLIENTELE
The primary clientele of CFO includes the following: · Filipino emigrants and permanent residents abroad; · Filipinos overseas who have become citizens of other countries; · Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals leaving the country; · Descendants of Filipinos overseas as defined in B.P. 79; · Filipino youth overseas; and · Exchange Visitor Program participants.
VISION, MISSION, GOALS
VISION
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas envisions a community of well-respected and proudly competitive Filipinos overseas who contribute significantly to the productivity and well-being of their countries of residence while maintaining strong political, economic, and cultural ties with the Philippines.
MISSION
To be the Philippines’ premier institution in promoting policies, programs, and projects with Migration and Development as a framework for the strengthening and empowerment of the community of Filipinos overseas.
10-POINT GOALS OF THE COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 2010 – 2016
A. Policy Advocacy
1) To advocate for coherent, coordinated and clear development policies to be mainstreamed in the policy-making process of government: on international migration, its cost-benefit implications and the need for both national and local governments to maximize migration’s gains while minimizing its socio-economic costs, that while international migration is a reality, government must create an environment that would make migration an option rather than a matter of necessity and that the government’s primary responsibility remains focused on sustainable, integrated, equitable, nation- wide development taking into consideration the country’s economic, political and social structural problems and issues especially in relation to employment, poverty alleviation, equitable distribution of wealth and the benefit of development and improvement of all its citizens’ quality of life.
56 The Commission on Filipinos Overseas 2) To support and strengthen a favorable rights-based policy environment for the promotion and protection of rights, welfare and status of overseas Filipinos; to assist in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs relevant to their rights, welfare and status.
B. Socio-economic Development
3) To develop and implement, in coordination with and with the support of other government agencies, a streamlined and facilitative entry and directional process for “development assistance” in the form of resources, knowledge, skills and technology from Filipinos overseas, that will be strategic and responsive to existing development issues and needs of the country and will optimize the assistance’s development potentials.
4) To provide mechanisms for various stakeholders to coordinate, forge partnerships, upscale and leverage diaspora funds (e.g. remittances and savings) and investments, broaden donors’ and investors’ base and replicate best practices especially in financial literacy, microfinance and social enterprises, in order to make these funds more effective tools for the country’s development and economic growth.
C. Integration and Reintegration
5) To assist in the integration of migrating Filipinos in their host countries by educating them on the realities of international migration, preparing them to meet the practical, cultural and psychological challenges attendant to migration and providing them other services as may be developed and needed, mindful of the social costs of migration to the overseas Filipinos themselves (especially for the women who are most vulnerable to abuse, discrimination and exploitation), to the families (especially the children) they have left behind and to their local communities.
6) To assist in the productive and seamless re-integration of returning overseas Filipinos and their families in the country, recommending policies, programs and measures to transform brain drain to brain gain, to enhance the returnees’ earning capabilities and for better incentives’ package for overseas Filipinos to return, retire and invest.
D. Culture and Education
7) To ensure that Filipinos overseas remain rooted in their Filipino culture by developing, implementing, promoting and coordinating with other institutions, global awareness and appreciation of Filipino language, culture and heritage.
E. Institutional development and organizational strengthening
8) To promote the leading role of CFO on the formulation of policies and in addressing key issues on migration and development
9) To improve and enhance CFO’s institutional capabilities for lobbying and advocacy for policy-setting, formulation and reform; in coordinating and building consensus with all migration-related government agencies on issues/policies/programs of major concern and critical to overseas Filipinos; and mobilizing stakeholders in the migration and development sector, especially for regular multi-stakeholder consultations and collaboration.
10) To provide accurate, timely and comprehensive data on international migration of Filipinos through linkages with government agencies and other stakeholders essential for policy formulation and protection of overseas Filipinos.
57 The Commission on Filipinos Overseas
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The CFO Board of Commissioners is headed by a Chairperson with cabinet rank, and representatives of the following departments:
· Department of Foreign Affairs (as Vice-Chair) · Department of Trade and Industry · Department of Labor and Employment · Department of Education · Department of Justice · Department of Tourism · Presidential Communications Operations Office · National Commission for Culture and the Arts · CFO Executive Director
The CFO is supported by a Secretariat headed by an Executive Director. It consists of five (5) offices:
· Migrant Integration and Education Division (MIED) · Project Management Division (PMD) · Policy, Planning and Research Division (PPRD) · Management Information System Division (MISD) · Administrative and Finance Division (AFD)
COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway) Manila, Philippines 1007 Tel. Nos. (02) 561-8321 Fax No. (02) 561-8332 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cfo.gov.ph
58 2010 Presidential Awards Secretariat
Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas Chairperson
Mary Grace A. Tirona Acting Executive Director
Atty. Golda Myra R. Roma Division Chief, Policy, Planning and Research Division
MEMBERS
Ian Vergel B. Agsalda Rodrigo V. Garcia, Jr. Edwin C. Pajares Janet B. Ramos Frencel Louie T. Tingga Rosario Q. Tuano
OTHER MEMBERS
Troy D. Agcanas Mario T. Francisco Nikki A. Almerino Jayson S. Gregorio Marita D. Apattad Gregorio M. Jabal, Jr. Michael A. Apattad Rowena V. Jubinal Rouen D. Bosquillos Ivy D. Miravalles Joel I. Combo Vincent Nato Ariel T. Cruz Evangeline C. Nepomuceno Christian Harold G. Cruz Leonardo J. Pizarro Warner A. Dawal Ruby Ramores Marissa Del Rosario Froilan A. Romero Elmer T. Diaz Arnel E. Sual Jeremias R. De Guzman Manolo V. Tibe Tristan E. De Guzman Phillip Ting John Delter V. Dimapilis Eumarlo M. Tolosa Allan Paul N. Ducusin Jose Edison C. Tondares Evelyn C. Duriman Cherry Joy G. Veniles Merlin Espeso Angie D. Zantua
Minda I. Cabilao-Valencia Ma. Regina Angela G. Galias Director Director Projects Management Division Migrant Integration and Education Division
Lucille A. Ronda Engr. Romeo R. Rosas Officer-in-Charge Officer-in-Charge Administrative and Finance Division Management Information System Division
59 60 A Partnership for Remittances and Development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has partnered with Western Union (WU), the global leader in money transfer services, for the Project: OFW/Diaspora Remittances for Development: Building a Future Back Home (RED). Western Union supports similar projects in other developing countries.
OFW/Diaspora Remittances for Development (RED): Building a Future Back Home
In 2009 overseas remittances to the Philippines reached a record high of US$ 17.3 billion. This project will harness the potential of overseas remittances for poverty reduction and consequently, local economic development. In the long-run, collective remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and diaspora communities could become a powerful source of investment for development.
Objectives
1. Develop mechanisms to engage OFW/diaspora communities effectively as transnational actors of local development and services delivery by:
• Designing and piloting a model to create forward and backward linkages for product development, value chains and improved market access for service delivery • Identifying capacity diagnostics and policy and institutional options for leveraging remittances to promote entrepreneurship
2. Support policies to tap the potential of overseas remittances for savings and investments, entrepreneurship and employment creation that will contribute to development; government policies will be analyzed and gaps and incentives that support collective remittances for development will be identified
Working Framework
1. Incentivization through policy institutionalization 2. Awareness building to communicate individual and collective benefits 3. Collaborative capacity building to achieve optimal project stewardship 4. Fund matching to encourage multiplier effect 5. Project leadership encompassing inception, implementation and evaluation Office of the President of the Philippines Commission on Filipinos Overseas 2010